I feel kind of useless right now. My girlfriend is nursing so she's handling most of the feeding and I mostly just change diapers and hold him when he's sleeping. I love him so much but I don't feel like I'm really doing anything important. Does the bonding come later? How do I get more involved in these early weeks without stepping on her toes?
You're not useless at all man. My wife nursed both kids and honestly the diaper changes and holding time were when I felt most connected. Give it a few weeks and you'll find your own rhythm with him.
The newborn phase is temporary. You're doing exactly what needs to happen right now, and trust me, once he gets bigger you'll have plenty of chances to be the main event.
Take over nighttime if you can. Bottle feed, let her sleep. Those late night sessions with just you and the baby are actually incredible bonding time even though they feel rough in the moment. You've got this.
Dude, I felt exactly like this the first few months. The nursing thing made me feel sidelined but honestly it passes. I started doing all the diaper changes, baths, and just holding her while mom slept. Those moments became my thing with her. You'll find your role, trust me.
This is so normal man. I remember feeling useless too when my first was born. But here's the thing - you don't have to compete with nursing. Be the guy who handles everything else. Diaper duty, baths, skin to skin time while holding a bottle. Your bond will develop differently than mom's but it's just as real.
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Dude, changing diapers and holding him is huge right now. That's literally bonding. Once he can track your face and recognize your voice, you'll be his favorite person for diaper changes, I'm telling you.