New fathers come under stress in a number of ways. Many men feel a heavy burden of responsibility, and feel that they must now succeed financially. They often spend more time with work, just at the time when the woman wants them to spend extra time at home helping with the baby and providing some adult companionship. A new father also often feels cut out as his spouse's attention shifts to the new baby. Schedule a regular lunch or breakfast date with your wife when you can drop the baby off with a friend, grandparents, or a sitter.
Many men panic about finances when a baby is born and begin to work longer and harder at their jobs.
Unless you share these feelings with your wife, she is likely to perceive your longer work hours as escaping from the burden of caring for the new baby, not as trying to increase the family's financial security. Most men feel awkward about handling a new baby. Be an advocate for your wife if she decides to breast-feed. She will need your support and encouragement through the first 6 weeks of establishing a breast-feeding routine with the baby. It is enormously important that you tell your wife how much you appreciate all the effort she is making for the baby.