How can fathers prepare for having a baby? Read our guide to pregnancy for dads, with tips & advice to support your pregnant partner emotionally and help her stay safe and healthy.
Walk down the street in a busy city and you’ll see fathers with tiny babies in carriers or strollers. Photos of Prince William in England filled newspapers and screens, showing him leaving the hospital holding his new baby in his car seat. Dads and their young children now play major characters in TV shows.
We see fathers everywhere actively involved with their children from the youngest ages, but that doesn’t mean it is always easy. And being actively involved in pregnancy can be even more challenging for dads than being involved after the little one is born.
Pregnancy can still seem like it is all about the mom, but it is so important for dads to be part of the experience. Of course, the physical aspects of pregnancy are experienced only by the mom, but there is more to pregnancy than the physical part. There is also emotional preparation that happens during pregnancy which is important for dads to be part of.
A DAD’S GUIDE TO PREGNANCY
- Prepare emotionally: It is just as important for dads as it is for moms to be emotionally ready when having a baby. Nine months gives time for dads to read about babies and what to expect, particularly if being around young children will be a new experience. Engage in all parts of the pregnancy including accompanying your partner on doctor’s visits; shopping for baby items; helping to paint or decorate the baby’s room; setting up the crib; talking about names, etc. The more engaged you are in the process, the more a part of things you will feel.
- Work together: Sometimes the best laid plans for equality in relationships go by the wayside. This is a good time to re-evaluate the division of labor in your household. Even when both adults work outside the home, surveys show that the majority of household work is still done by females. Adding a baby to your home will mean a significant increase in responsibilities (as well as joys). Take some time during pregnancy to discuss with your partner how you think things will change and talk about how you might meet those new expectations. In some cases, you’ll need to adjust responsibilities more quickly to help during pregnancy. While many pregnant women feel great, some experience challenges that may limit what they can physically do and may require you to take on more before the baby’s birth.
