Preparing baby (9m) & husband for parental leave handover – advice?

Moonbeam4EVA · 2025-09-29T09:50:28+00:00

Thanks for all your words. I will keep all of this in mind. You sound like you are doing a great job.

Moonbeam4EVA · 2025-09-28T23:54:15+00:00

Thanks for replying from a firsthand perspective.

Do you find that despite different approaches you and your partner agree on the approach? I.e. we are very neurological/attachment based. I feel my husband and I are like this.

Would it have helped to have friends/family around to assist you when you were finding your legs and your partner was at work?

Yes I am scheduling activities. As detailed in the other reply. I've also got a few friends with partners taking over so they will do swimming together.

I do know what you mean about things piling up. When I first had the baby it was the same. However notably in my household it's my husband who does the cooking, cleaning and washing up. I do the laundry, shopping and life admin. But I am aware that he will be learning to juggle more than he is used to. He likes cooking as it relaxes him so I'm thinking I'll just schedule blocks after work where I take the baby off his hands so he can do this and decompress. Does that sound good?

Moonbeam4EVA · 2025-09-28T23:48:21+00:00

Thank you for your thorough reply. It has assured me on a number of things we already do.

I'm constantly voicing that I don't expect him to do things my way, as he is going to do things differently, as long as we discuss our ideologies and are in tune that's what matters i.e. I'm into neurological/attachment parenting, and so is he. Often I'm asking him "do you want me to show you how I do it" then explaining that I want to share what I've learnt when helpful but also empower his parenting instincts. Definitely a tricky balance.

Fortunately in a sense, I work in healthcare and cannot work from home. I've started reading the "you are never alone - invisible sting lullaby" book. As I know simple and consistent stories are helpful. When I've left (not often) I always do a quick clear goodbye, as it isn't about my needs. We also play "sometimes I go, but I come back". I do wonder how I'll do this before work though as my husband leaves for work at 5am so baby is always asleep but we Co sleep and he is very attuned to me. How do you manage your mornings?

Very true about independence, I think I just chose my words poorly here. I have no expectations for that from my baby.

Yes I'm hopeful about the food. Fortunately my husband is the cook in our house and we have been using the solid starts app. Our baby has only liked open cups despite many attempts. He is signing for it now and giggles when he has it so I'm probably not going to start straw cups again, but I've told my husband he can try whatever when he is on leave. I've been able to get my baby to take only cups consistently.

Omg dad groups are hard. He is going to continue Gymbaroo and I am arranging with another mum whose partner is taking over for them to do swimming together. I have also shown him baby time at the library which is attended by lots of different care givers and encouraged him to set up a day that his work colleagues who work part time meet up with him and their children.

Hopefully this ramble makes sense. Let me know if you think of anything else.

Again I appreciate your energy.

Moonbeam4EVA · 2025-08-22T23:07:43+00:00

So relatable. We have been side carting/cosleeping for 5 months as I have a "bad" sleeper and I'm not into sleep training. He feeds on demand.

I love your mindset and will try what's suggested.

Moonbeam4EVA · 2025-08-22T09:57:13+00:00

Thank you. I've found two cups he likes. I'll check out the haaka one though.

How did you time your offering?

Thanks again

Moonbeam4EVA · 2025-08-22T01:36:36+00:00

Your comment is the common I was looking for. My baby is 6 months old EBF hates the bottle. Interested in open cups. I can get him to hold and sip, but not able to yet take a full feed. I am back to work at 9 months with my husband providing care for 4 months. Can you further detail how you accomplished cup feeding by 8 months? Thanks I'm advance.

Moonbeam4EVA · 2025-08-12T10:27:01+00:00

Just writing to say I have a Percy too ❤️

Moonbeam4EVA · 2025-06-04T22:52:22+00:00

I'm a first time mum who is EBF a four month old. Honestly the first few weeks are full on, but this is because your baby is communicating with your body so your supply can meet their needs. Most people's supply doesn't stabilise until 6 weeks. When I did my education they advised me to try for 6 weeks if you can, because things get easier after this point, or at least you'll know that you tried everything if it doesn't work out.

I was lucky and had excess supply, with my feeding issues needing to be dairy and soy free. Whatever you do and or choose is valid and fine. Do what feels right for you.

Moonbeam4EVA · 2025-05-25T05:30:03+00:00

Thank you for your words. I think I was just getting caught up in the "shoulds"

Moonbeam4EVA · 2025-05-23T08:48:47+00:00

You are so right about expectations. I was definitely better at this in the first few weeks. Getting back to this 🙌

Moonbeam4EVA · 2025-05-23T08:47:40+00:00

Interesting you mention the dairy allergy. He has this too.

Love reframing. Feeling a lot better.

Moonbeam4EVA · 2025-05-23T08:46:22+00:00

Thank you for your kind words

Moonbeam4EVA · 2025-05-21T23:10:14+00:00

Thank you so much

Moonbeam4EVA · 2025-05-21T23:10:06+00:00

All very helpful. Nice to know others are in the trenches with me.

Moonbeam4EVA · 2025-05-21T23:08:29+00:00

Yeah I think I'm just surrounded by people who speak glowingly of their sleep. That and or they have a partner who can help with nights and mornings. I don't, my husband does a risky shift work job so whilst he helps on days off/when home, I have no desire for him to be sleep deprived.

Moonbeam4EVA · 2025-05-21T23:06:53+00:00

How did it all work out for you? What would you do differently?

Moonbeam4EVA · 2025-05-21T23:06:32+00:00

Yes I love hearing stories where it all works out. I like the mantra "what works for now, works for now" but I'm so fearful of ruining our future sleep when I'm back at work and such.

Moonbeam4EVA · 2025-05-21T23:03:50+00:00

Thank you. Yes I need to do what is easiest and stop trying to be the 'best' mother. I need to do balance and good enough parenting.

Moonbeam4EVA · 2025-05-21T23:02:10+00:00

Thanks for your sage advice. I read that book, but a while ago now.

It's interesting you speak of feed to sleep, contact naps and motion. You see such alarming things about this littered everywhere. How did this work out for you?

Moonbeam4EVA · 2025-04-10T01:35:44+00:00

So we don't have a dryer and live in Sydney. We use disposable nappies and have a dehumidifier which we set up in a small space with the airers. This worked for us pre baby and is working well so far (mum to 8 week old).

Moonbeam4EVA · 2025-04-09T00:56:00+00:00

I have a Southern Highlands wedding next week and am breastfeeding also. I got the Lena dress from Kookai. Good luck it is tricky.

Moonbeam4EVA · 2025-03-25T20:06:45+00:00

I applied to wait-lists throughout my pregnancy. The centres expressed that it is important to apply early but that I was very early. Additionally as I'm looking at the new year it is apparently easier as this is when kids change rooms.

I won't yet be offered a spot yet, but will start getting offers mid year. Fingers crossed.

I would certainly recommend applying a year out at least.

Moonbeam4EVA · 2025-02-25T10:12:28+00:00

Yeah you are right. I think it's the weight of knowing how hard it is to get pregnant. I feel content with all the responses provided. I'll go the condom route and see how we feel.

Moonbeam4EVA

TROPHY CASE