How do you cope with a father's jealousy of the newborn? Everyone seems excited about the newborn baby, especially the father as the nurse brings the newborn in for you to feed. You cuddle the bundle of joy in your arms with no idea that there are going to be myriad of changes once you bring the baby home. The midnight feedings and the sleepless nights are to be expected, but you did not expect a change in the father attitude from joy to jealousy of the newborn.

Most new fathers like sharing in the care of a newborn. Then others and these are mostly the newlyweds, would like to continue to spend time with their new wife. These particular men crave the attention that now seems to be given to the little bundle of joy who needs constant feedings and changings. What should the new mother do to keep peace in the new expanded family? Here are five things that the new mother can do to cope with a father's jealousy of the newborn.

Make minimal changes in the relationship as possible. If you all had a date night on Fridays, then arrange for a babysitter to watch the baby while the two of you take in a movie or dinner. While out on the date, you may mention the newborn but do not let the talk of Pampers and formulas rule your conversation. You can talk about your precious bundle once you get back to your apartment or house. Let the new father know that the new baby does not decrease your time and love for him. Prove your love for him wih your actions and your conversation. Talk of what is going on at his job and what is his aspirations for the future in reference to the relationship between the two of you. Is he planning to celebrate your relationship in the long term with a renewal of your vows. It is alright to speak of the future while on your date without inudating the conversation with baby talk. You may be tempted to talk about the newborn because you may have just fed the baby, but restrain yourself and wait until after your date with the new father.

Include the father in the care of the newborn. The baby is not just your bundle of joy, the newborn was conceived by the two of you. Share in the feedings and make him an intricate part of the caregiving process. The new father will have less time to think about being jealous if he is busy sterilizing the bottles or measuring the newborn's formula. You will find that a new father wants individual attention but he also wants to be involved with the care of the newborn. If the new father participates in the caregiving, he will not feel like the baby and you on an island and he is on another. You want to make sure that you are including the new father so that he will feel a part of the family and not jealous of the newborn.

Celebrate accomplishments of the new father. If an important event is happening in the new father's life such as a birthday or a promotion, go all out and make it an event to remember. Celebrate with friends, family and co-workers. You may even include the newborn in the festivities. You want the new baby to be included to represent the father's accomplishments as a positive effect on the family as a whole. Make plans right away to discuss what you plan to do. Make certain that you let the new father know that it is all about him and what he is bringing to the new family. The father will not be jealous of the newborn if he see that you're taking the time to plan a special event just for him.

Refrain from placing the crib or bassinet in your bedroom with you and the new father. Why? Family experts agree that under no circumstances should the newborn sleep in the same bedroom as you and the new father. Also, separate rooms let the new father know that he will still be getting his sexual needs met. Even if you choose to breast feed your baby, it is recommended that the baby has a nursery and that you and the new father keep the master bedroom. The father will not be jealous if he knows that he still has the shared bedroom with you and the new baby has the nursery. As the newborn grows and becomes a toddler, it will make more sense for the separate bedrooms. Do not start on the wrong track that will make the new father jealous by sharing his space that he needs with the newborn.

Do not overindulge in purchasing baby items that are not needed even though it will be hard because of your love for your newborn. A newborn is an pleasant addition to the family and expenses are expected, however, do not over extend your excitement with unnecessary baby shopping. Keep the essential baby items in the nursery or the newborn's room so that the new father will continue to enjoy his space after a long day at work. Being considerate to the new father's space will let him know that you are appreciative of his hard work and he will be less jealous of the newborn.