Fatherhood Begins
Field guides

The essentials, a few minutes at a time.

Every guide starts with a 30-second version and ends with three things to do today. Read one while she naps.

Her body · 4 min read What she's going through Bleeding, cramps, stitches, milk coming in, and hormones dropping faster than at any other time in life. What's normal, and what helps. Hands on · 3 min read How to hold your baby Support the head, keep the hold close, and stop worrying that you'll break them. Four holds, burping, and the car seat. Breast, bottle, or both · 4 min read How to help with feeding You can't breastfeed, but you can make feeding go a lot better. What normal looks like, how to help, and when to call for backup. Sleep, for all three of you · 3 min read The night shift Nobody sleeps through the night with a newborn, but two adults can protect a lot more sleep than one. Shifts that work, and safe sleep basics. The daily basics · 4 min read Diapers, baths, and crying The jobs you can own from day one. What's in the diaper, how to bathe a newborn, and what to do when the crying won't stop. Her mind · 4 min read Baby blues, and beyond Most new moms get the baby blues. Some get something more, and partners are often the first to notice. What to watch for, and what to do. Home base · 3 min read Stepping up at home She can only do so much right now. How to spot what's slipping at home and fill the gaps, and how to be the friendly bouncer. What to say · 2 min read Words that help You don't need a speech. A few sentences, said often, go a long way. And a few to skip. Dad's health · 3 min read Taking care of you, too You can't pour from an empty cup. New dads get depressed and anxious too, more often than most people think.

Rather have it all on one page? Start with the 5-minute version.