When parents have never married, or they separate either during the mother’s pregnancy or shortly thereafter, it can be more challenging to draft a co-parenting plan that provides for all of the infant’s needs and still allows both parents access to their baby.
But just because something is challenging does not mean that it should not be attempted. Below are some pertinent suggestions for co-parenting a newborn.
Don’t assume the father has a minor role
Attachment theory in the past always skewed toward the mother of the infant, implying that this parent was more central to the infant’s bonding and development than the father. Scientific studies now indicate that both parents have important roles in fulfilling their infant’s early development and bonding needs.
Even breastfeeding can be accommodated
With the use of breast pumps to generate and provide nutrition, even young infants can spend significant intervals with their other parent. In these circumstances, both parents would likely have to be in accord on this issue for the court to rule thusly.
Childcare duties reinforce strong bonds with infants and parents
The more frequent the interactions of both mothers and fathers with their infants with childcare duties, the closer the parents grow with their babies. Acts like feeding, diaper-changing and rocking babies to sleep at night increase parental attachment and help the infant feel secure with both parents.
What if one parent is resistant to infant co-parenting?
If you find that your baby’s other parent is resistant to allowing you an equal or near-equal co-parenting role, it may be time to address the matter in the family law courts.
