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Honest take: Paternity leave sucks sometimes
S
Sean A.Regular
1 min read
I'm gonna get downvoted for this but the two weeks I took were kind of rough? Like everyone acts like it's this magical bonding time but I mostly felt useless watching my wife breastfeed while I washed bottles and folded tiny clothes. She was recovering from birth, the baby barely knew I existed, and I felt like I was just in the way. Going back to work almost felt like a relief tbh. Anyone else feel this way or am I just the worst person ever?
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6 comments268 views
The myth is that paternity leave is some bonding magic but if you're home doing chores while your wife is literally healing and feeding the baby, you're kind of just... waiting around. That's valid to feel.
The bonding thing kicks in around month 2-3 when the baby actually recognizes you and smiles at you specifically. Those first two weeks you're kind of just... there. Honest take though: being 'there' for your wife while she recovers matters way more than bonding with a potato.
Two weeks is rough because you're not on parental leave - you're just... home watching her do the work while you support. A lot of dads don't get that distinction. Actual bonding time comes later when the baby knows you exist.