Different Ways Dads can Bond with Their Newborn Babies

If you’re a new dad, you’ve just started a great adventure that will keep you on your toes for years to come. The first step? Bonding. Bonding creates an intense attachment between a parent and child, and while common wisdom used to be that immediate bonding was crucial, it’s actually a very individual experience, and for some parents it can take a lot longer. Relax, you’ve got this! Here are some suggestions for speeding the process.

• Indulge in some serious snuggle time. Cuddling your baby feels good for both of you and can give your little one a sense of security. Try skin-to-skin contact, holding your baby on your bare chest. This helps your newborn get used to your smell and learn the sound of your heartbeat. It’s good for them: babies who get skin-to-skin contact have more consistent temperature, heart and breathing rates, and more stable blood sugar.
• Take the late shift. Or the early shift! Get involved with the care of your baby. Even if your partner is breastfeeding, you can get up with the baby in the night and give your little one a bottle. You can also change diapers, give baths, and wear your baby in a sling or carrier while you go about your morning routine. Your partner will get some sleep and you’ll get some good quality time with your infant.
• Have a conversation. It may seem strange to talk to this little person who doesn’t talk back. Hearing language is what helps babies learn to speak, though, so keeping up a steady stream of words benefits your little one. Narrate your day, read stories, and describe the world around you to help build your child’s vocabulary and strengthen the bond between you.
• Get comfortable with silly. There’s nothing more delicious than baby giggles, and dads are often the best at eliciting them! Sing a silly song, make a funny face, or play a game of peekaboo. Anything that’s animated and lively will hold your baby’s attention.
• Keep moving. Babies are used to the constant movement of being in the womb, so they like to be rocked, swayed, jiggled, bounced, and danced around the room.
• Learn how to comfort. Don’t just interact with your baby during happy times. Learning what helps sooth your little one is a big part of parenting and will help you to bond.
• Find your groove. Your partner probably has her own way of doing things, and that’s great, but you’ll develop your own parenting style, too. Be confident in your abilities as a dad and learn how to take charge.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people build their families! We pride ourselves on providing optimal surgical results and uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, call 941-894-6428 or contact us through our website.

Fun Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to show your mom how much she means to you. However, it still may be a little soon for a traditional Mother’s Day, since we’re still feeling the effects of the pandemic. How can you show your love this year? We’ve got some creative ideas.

• Make something new out of a time-honored tradition. Pack up some breakfast foods and show up on your mom’s doorstep early to present her with “breakfast in bed”. If you can’t be with her in person, have breakfast sent to her house from her favorite local café. Nail salons not open in your area? Give your mom an at-home mani-pedi for a treat.
• Create a scene. There are companies that will deck out your mom’s yard for the occasion, declaring your love for her in a splashy, public way. Or you can do it yourself, bringing over balloons, yard signs, and a wreath for her front door.
• Do something virtually if you can’t be together. Your family may be suffering from Zoom fatigue, but Mother’s Day might be the perfect excuse to get together virtually for a family game night, happy hour, or just to chat and enjoy each other’s company. If you’re dreaming of traveling together but aren’t quite ready to do it, many destinations, including National Parks and famous museums, are offering virtual tours and online experiences that are almost like being there.
• Learn something new together. Sure, you could send your mom flowers, but wouldn’t it be more fun to take a flower arranging class with her? If you can’t get to one in person, you can find a virtual one, like this one from Alice’s Table and 1-800-Flowers. They’ll send you all the materials to make a beautiful arrangement. Flowers aren’t Mom’s thing? Take a cooking class together or send her a gift subscription to Master Class, where she can take a class in an area that interests her, from an expert on the subject.
• Give her a break. Sometimes what a mom wants most in the world is to kick back and relax a little bit. Give her that opportunity by taking something off her plate. Maybe you’ll go over and do some of the chores she’s been needing help with, or you might hire a cleaning service, landscaping service, or handyman to go handle some things for her. Moms are always doing so much for everyone else, it’s great to give your mom the opportunity to just take some quiet time for herself.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love moms and we love helping people build their families. That’s why we pride ourselves on providing state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides optimal surgical results and uncompromising, concierge-level patient care.  To learn more, call 941-894-6428 or contact us through our website.

Fun Activities to Do With Your Children this Summer

Keeping the kids entertained while they’re out of school may seem like a daunting task at first, but with this list of activities on your summer bucket list, you’ll enjoy learning and playing with your children more than ever!

Outdoor Activities for Nice Days

Help the kids get some fresh air and explore nature when the weather is nice with these cheap or free activities.

• DIY bird feeders: Encourage your feathered friends to visit your backyard by making a bird feeder with your child’s help.
• Family hike: Planning a weekend outing on a local trail will give everyone in your family something to look forward to all week long.
• Bike ride and picnic: Put a meal together with your kids’ help, load the food into a backpack, and bike to a scenic picnic spot to enjoy your lunch as a family.
• Backyard obstacle course: Things such as traffic cones, hula-hoops, 2x4s, slides, pool noodles, and ropes strung between trees make for fun obstacles with minimal setup on your part.

Water Activities for Hot Days

Don’t let the heat stop you from going outside—introduce a little water to help everyone stay cool! Just remember to wear sunscreen and keep an eye on the youngsters.

• Water balloon piñatas: Tie water balloons to a clothesline to make piñatas for your kids and their friends.
• Water balloon baseball or volleyball: These classic games make for hours of water fun under the sun for the whole family.
• Sprinkler: Set up an oscillating sprinkler, and leave your kids to it!
• Water play: For younger kids, a small kiddie pool filled with a few inches of water and some plastic or rubber toys is just right.

Indoor Activities for Stormy Days

When summer rainstorms threaten to put a damper on your fun, try these indoor activities instead of resorting to videogames or TV.

• Balloon tennis: A few air-filled balloons and fly swatters are all you need for this family-fun activity.
• Indoor golf or croquet: Set up a course in your living room, or even all over the house, for tons of indoor fun when the weather won’t cooperate.
• Cooking or baking: Whether it’s whipping up a batch of cookies, making pancakes from scratch, or trying no-bake cake pops, summer is a great time to get your kids involved in the kitchen.
• Puppet theater: Got a few puppets in the toy chest? Make up a play with your kids or help them reenact their favorite movie.

Entertaining the kids may seem like a chore at times, but watching them grow and learn is also one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. If you’re ready to experience summer fun as a dad, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal can help you get there. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team offers state-of-the-art treatment for men seeking vasectomy reversal. To learn more, please call 941-894-6428 or schedule a free consultation on our website.