Navigating the First Few Weeks of Dadhood

On-Demand Class · Parent Wellness

The first few weeks after your baby arrives can be overwhelming. 'Round the clock feedings, diaper changes, and unestablished sleeping patterns can take their toll on you. What's more, you realize there's so much you DON'T know about babies. This guide will help.

Class Description

One of the most stressful parts of becoming a brand new dad is the overwhelming amount of new information you have to absorb about your new baby and your new way of life as a parent. But babies don't come with a manual and most dads resort to on-the-job training alone. No wonder dads can be so stressed! This course will not only teach you the tools you'll need to take care of your newborn, but also give you a picture of what these first few weeks are REALLY like. This way, when you're "in the trenches" of newborn care, you'll at least have strategies and tactics to not just survive it, but thrive within it (and hopefully actually enjoy it!). From getting prepared for the first meconium poo to the monotony of the "4 Hour Groundhog Day" of newborn care, you'll have the knowledge and skills to be an incredible dad to your baby and an incredible partner to your spouse during this time.

Sessions Overview

  1. Introduction: The first few weeks after your baby arrives can be overwhelming. 'Round the clock feedings, diaper changes and unestablished sleeping patterns can take their toll on you. What's more, you realize there's so much you DON'T know about babies. This guide will help.
  2. The First Night Alone: Your baby has arrived! So cute, so tiny, so fragile. You're in charge now that Baby has come home. But you have no idea what to do. We'll discuss this first night(s) alone and what to expect from Baby, your partner and yourself during what seems like a scary and vulnerable time.
  3. Groundhog Day: Remember how bored Bill Murray got in that movie when he re-lived the same day over and over again? Newborn care is a monotonous 4 hour cycle (hopefully as long as 4 hours) as your baby eats, poops, and sleeps around the clock. This is how to stay sane within your Groundhog Day lifestyle.
  4. The Breastfeeding Journey: It is very common for women to have breastfeeding difficulties in the first 4-6 weeks. It’s not automatic in many cases, for mom or baby. Latch issues, pumping, bottles, formula, and the emotions of this time call on you to be supportive as your partner and baby learn how to breastfeed.
  5. Many, Many More Appointments: You thought you were done with the time demands of prenatal appointments and birth classes? Well now be prepared for more follow up OB/Midwife and pediatrician visits, possible lactation consultants, pelvic floor PT, bodywork for her and/or baby to help with issues that might come up postpartum.
  6. Feeling Invisible: How to handle the focus being on mom and baby, with you as dad being on the back-burner and not being attended to (by your partner or your family/friends). Step into the role of being the unnoticed supporter of your family by doing everything else behind the scenes to help them.
  7. Being the Bouncer: Take charge of the Protector role by keeping visitors, outings, and extra plans to a minimum so your partner can recover from pregnancy and birth and get momhood dialed in, without distractions or getting overly depleted by doing too much. She'll thank you for it later.

Your Instructor

Jay Warren

Dr. Jay Warren is a prenatal and pediatric chiropractor in San Diego, CA where he works with new families everyday. Dr. Jay is the host of two popular podcasts “Healthy Births, Happy Babies” and “The Dadhood Journey”, as well as an instructor for the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association). He has created online courses helping pregnant women learn prenatal bonding techniques and courses for new dads that help men with the transition into fatherhood. He is also the proud father to his son, Niko, who inspires him to strive to be a better person and better dad everyday.

Degrees and Certifications

Doctor of Chiropractic, Life Chiropractic College West, 2000 Prenatal and Perinatal Educator, APPPAH Certification 2017 Parenting Coach, Joy of Parenting Certification 2021

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