Paulo Roberto – a 39-year-old former skateboarder, originally from Sao Paulo. Paulo now calls Copenhagen home, having made the move with his Danish wife. Before moving, he lived 14 years in Chile, dedicated to skateboarding, had his own store and skated for other brands – now he just skates for fun. He is currently working with children in a daycare center and enjoying time with his beautiful daughter, Beatrice and his wife, Sandra. In this conversation, he opens up about the transformative experience of becoming a father and the unique journey of finding his place in feeding Beatrice, balancing the new challenges and joys of fatherhood.
Q: How has your feeding journey with Beatrice evolved, and what unexpected challenges or rewarding moments have you encountered along the way?
Paulo: Beatrice was breastfed for around 1 year and when we weaned her off the breast we started using a bottle. I took over in the beginning, giving her the bottle during the day and changing her diapers. We had only used a bottle a few times while Sandra was breastfeeding, she experienced some infection and pumped out. For me, it’s been a good experience. It was my first child, so in the beginning, everything felt new—changing diapers, feeding, all of it. But after a little while, I became more comfortable with everything, and I loved it. Beatrice is very comfortable with me feeding her, which feels really special.
Q: After the campaign, you tried the caramma Support Bottle. How did it compare to other bottles you’ve tried?
Paulo: Beatrice was around 1 year when we did the photoshoot, and we have been using it ever since. Now she is 2. It’s much easier than the normal bottles we’ve used before. I can have her much closer to me than with other bottles. Beatrice also finds it much easier to use herself, and she really enjoys it.
Q: That’s great to hear. Now, you were also able to use it in a breastfeeding position, right? How did that feel for you?
Paulo: Yeah, exactly, I used it in a breastfeeding position, and it worked perfectly. I just sat down in the chair – you know, one of those comfortable ones with the armrest – and it felt natural. Now she uses it 1 time a day, just before she sleeps. It’s like our small ritual before she goes to bed. She will say “Tete, papa” or “Tete, mama” if she speaks to Sandra. It’s an affectionate way for children to refer to breast or breastfeeding in Portuguese – now she uses it when she wants the caramma bottle. She then goes to bed and waits for me to bring the bottle. She is not a baby anymore, so she lies with it herself in bed. She really likes that and it makes her fall asleep really quickly.
Q: It sounds like you've created a beautiful little routine with Beatrice around feeding and bedtime. On the topic of routines, could you share how you and Sandra approached balancing maternity and paternity leave? Did you both take time off together?
Paulo: Sandra took the full leave initially, but when Beatrice arrived I was still waiting to receive my work permit, so we essentially spent the first 4 months together with Beatrice at home. It was perfect, just being together and taking care of her. We did everything together for those first few months. Next time, if we have another baby, I would love to split the leave evenly. I prefer to stay at home and I really appreciated the time we had together at home as a family with Beatrice.
Q: And looking back, how has it felt to become a dad?
Paulo: It’s amazing, but also overwhelming at times. You look at your child, and you can’t believe they’re yours. It’s an incredible feeling. Beatrice has become my world, and I can’t express how much I love her – she and Sandra are my greatest loves. When we found out we were having a baby I was reading through some books and listening to a podcast Sandra sent me, but in the end I think no matter how much you prepare or try to educate yourself it comes down to a feeling. She cries yes, maybe she’s hungry. You kind of learn how to feel that – getting to know your child and just learn along the way what the different signals mean. Beatrice is born premature and that made Sandra a bit scared about potential problems that could arise. I kept reassuring her that Beatrice is perfect and that there is nothing to worry about.
Q: Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us, Paulo. It’s clear how much you love your little one.
Paulo: Thank you. It’s been an incredible ride, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Beatrice has made my life richer, and I’m so grateful.