Communication
Planning
Emotions and parenting
Making the choice
Some men choose to be stay-at-home dads, or take on the role out of necessity, usually because the woman's earning capacity and /or career is more suited to supporting the new family. The decision to be the main carer for your baby can be something you approach with enthusiasm or uncertainty. It can present a unique chance to bond with your child, but dealing with the day-to-day care of a new baby can be a daunting task (as it is for many women!) This along with surviving early parenthood in a female dominated environment can be challenging.
Society is certainly geared towards men returning to work and woman staying at home to look after the baby. This is the accepted workplace tradition and social expectation. The reinforcement of this comes with things like 'Mother's Rooms' in public rest areas, although this is slowly changing to 'Parents Rooms'. Even so, a man can still receive a cool greeting from a breastfeeding mother in the Parents Room!
Adjustments for men may also extend to their social networks or work colleagues who could find the concept of 'staying at home with baby' a little confronting. This often puts you in the position of having to justify your choice (sometimes constantly) and possibly questioning your masculinity. The role of being the breadwinner and family provider to nurturer may sit easily with you or you may struggle to feel comfortable with it.