How does having a baby change you?

Before my wife at the time delivered our first child life was simple and selfish with the need and things we did, but once the child was born it becomes about raising that in a safe healthy and happy home. We had a son then a daughter. So especially post divorced for me when both kids came to live with me over their mother life was not about what I wanted and needed but it became about what the kids needed and wanted.

Life changes when she gets pregnant for sure, but once that child is born that is when the work really begins, and you lose your hobbies and selfishness for a while. As my children aged and could do more with me then it became easier, and I loved sharing my knowledge and skills with them. When they hit their teenage years, it gets rough again letting go and letting them to make mistakes, so they know you were right in your warnings and teachings, and you get your life back post the child graduating high school

It was the greatest commitment struggle pain and enjoyment of my life.

Totally changed and gave me a new perspective and purpose to life. I was gifted with twin boys and I saw them as my incarnation and legacy. I started authoring a book to tell them all about life they have got into in a what if I am not around, who will take care of them. The authoring journey was fabulous and it later occurred to me that it was all destined. Just as I thought I narrowly escaped an earthquake while editing the book in a hotel room in Jakarta.

So be responsible and take responsibility. Also don't pamper or keep influencing your child as I see many parents do that. In fact parenting too is brotherhood. That's how I raised my boys .. just as an older brother and not as a father. A child too is a free thinker. Allow the child to develop to think and act on its own. Don't blindly follow or copy other parents especially grand parents 😀. Each of them will want to have a go since you are vulnerable.

Let me know if you need more inputs.

I have three adults kids from my first ex, and one 7 y/o from my second ex, and couldn't be happier. I have got to be a dad a second time around, and now also have my first grandchild from my eldest who had her first bub late last year.

I could be selfish and say I'd rather not have kids so I can have all my time away from work entirely to myself, but that's why I will not date women that demand the same from anyone they choose to be with.

Babies are so incredible, they grow so fast, and learn so many things quickly. You are there to protect and educate them. Take them places you think they will want to see, and boy do they ever want to see it. Family vacations in Hawaii are the best. Kids are just amazing critters you can love with all your heart.

You must become more selfless. Your time will belong to the baby, your finances will be used by the baby, and you will have way less sleep for the first year. You will have no predictable down time to just relax so enjoy it now but as your baby gets older, if you enjoy parenthood it is amazing.
If you treat you child good they will love you and will be a mirror to who you are but also will be this new person learning and growing based on what you teach them and expose them to
It can strain relationships especially during the first year because they baby needs someone 24/7 and your life will never be exactly the same but you will find that this is OK. In fact it might end up perfect.
You can't totally prepare because it's all so new.

Definitely significant changes. Although when you try to think about it --

* somethings you think will change, do.
* somethings you think will change, don't.
* somethings you never thought of, will change.

Big lesson learned is to keep exercising and don't neglect your health. Sleep when you can, and colic is a *itch...

Up to now, may time seemed steady, not a lot of noticeable changes. Now you'll think someone turned on the fast forward. Take lots of photos.

In the beginning you are likely to feel extremely protective/supportive of your wife and child (as you should) Later down the track, you may feel you are no longer a priority to your wife. How you deal with that will shape your relationship over time.😷

It will literally change every single aspect of your life. It is going to be really really hard. But you have never known love like the love you will feel for your child. It is completely overwhelming in the best kind of way. 100% worth it

Congratulations. It was an amazing chapter for me when my kids were little. Hopefully you embrace it and live for your baby for a while. You will be a giant and a superhero through their eyes.

yes it does .. i caught mine when delivered.. doc said hold out your hands and he made a snip to widen the passage. it was bloody and yet blessed at the same time.. you should be in the room with her

Life as you know it now is over in a good way. The love you will feel is something that cannot be put into words. Congratulations

Im curious as to why people say its Hard