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Neckties and Diapers "It's been both a challenge and fantastic experience," says Mark Sole, an independent business developer from San Francisco and the proud father of a two-month-old daughter named Adley. Like many first-time fathers, Sole arrived home from the hospital excited, proud, and a little puzzled about what would happen next. With all the focus on mom and the baby, the stresses and fears that new dads face tend to get lost in the commotion. And, for many reasons, new fathers often have a hard time expressing their worries about parenthood. There are also several basics that many new dads struggle with. A common concern is how to hold the baby properly. Doctors say that it's important to keep the baby's head and neck steady. This is done by supporting the infant's head with the hand or arm while holding the child securely against the chest. Time management is another big issue for new dads. Adjusting to an infant's schedule can be emotionally and physically tiring. Lots of patience and a bit of planning help keep things in balance. Because their partner's attention is mainly directed toward the baby, many new fathers must cope with feeling left out of the loop. "At this moment, I find it's necessary to turn up the emotional support for my wife who is, naturally, focused on the baby, without expecting too much in return for a while," remarks Sole. This is all part of the normal process of adapting to life with a newborn. Feelings of isolation pass as the baby gets older and becomes more active. Despite all the ups and downs, being a new father is an amazing experience. "Having a baby changes your life," says Mark Pineda, of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and father of a 3-month-old daughter. "But I can't say that all the work involved in caring for Olivia is stressful. For me it is a labor of love. I'm always anxious to get home to see my daughter."