When it comes to pregnancy, many people focus on the expectant mother and all the things she should be doing to get ready for the arrival of her bundle of joy. However, preparing for fatherhood is no small task for dads to be. No matter how many baby-book checklists you read or how much advice you take from your friends with kids, no new parent ever feels “ready.” It’s a life-changing moment when you find out that you are going to be a father. Even if this is something you have always wished for, it’s natural to feel a range of emotions – from sheer happiness to outright fear. It’s difficult, to ever feel prepared to become a father, frankly. When you have the responsibility of a newborn’s life to look after, everything changes.
Luckily, we have made this list of tips for men, who are preparing to become fathers. Keep reading!
1. Begin your research
You may not be the one physically bearing the baby, but you are still a part of the pregnancy and the whole new experience. The same is true for those who are using a surrogate or adopting a child – there are endless ways to be actively engaged. There are many books available for to-be-fathers, but you don’t have to restrict yourself to them. Join some online support groups or subscribe to a pregnancy mailing list/newsletter. Do a little research if your partner is undergoing pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness or nausea. Knowing how they’re feeling will allow you to effectively support them.
2. Get healthy
It’s an excellent time to concentrate on your wellbeing before your baby is born. If you smoke, make an effort to quit. It has been established that even passive smoking increases the risk of congenital heart disease in babies. Eating well now will enable you to get through the long days (and nights) of being a new father. Embrace these healthful swaps, if your diet could profit from some minor adjustments. Alternatively, include some fibre-rich as well as immune-boosting foods in your diet. Schedule a yearly physical check-up with your family physician or internist if it has been a while.
3. Talk with your partner about co-parenting
It’s a good time to start thinking about what kind of parents you want to be. Are you both willing to commit to breastfeeding? Do you want the child to sleep in their room in a crib shortly after you get home? Some conversations will be irrelevant for the time being and are indeed important. Discipline, including spanking, must be discussed before your baby becomes a sassy toddler. Beginning the conversation now allows you to enter those communication lines and get on the same page for parenting.
4. Become a team player
When it comes to being on the same page, now may be the time to start considering yourselves as a team. It is a good idea to begin seeing it all through that perspective and stop keeping score as if you are in a contest. If the woman bearing your child is tired and suffering from morning sickness, assisting them will benefit both you and your child. Feeding them what they can consume, picking up the slack on household chores, or making sure to check in on them each day are a few ways you can support your shared goal— caring for your family.
5. Decide the kind of father you want to be
Not everybody holds a close connection with their father. If you are fortunate enough to get a wonderful father, you may aspire to be more like him – which is fantastic. If your father left much to be cherished, you may be concerned about your role as a parent. The good news is that you have complete control over how you tackle parenthood. Discover your role models for fatherhood. You are building this role from the ground up, and it is up to you to determine how it should look.
6. Find fellow fathers
On that note, it is nice to meet some other fathers in your social circle. Having somebody who understands the difficulties of parenthood provides you with an outlet and a place to ask questions, vent, or commiserate about the journey of becoming a father. There are virtual support groups, church support groups, and groups available through your doctor or hospital.
7. Go to the appointments whenever you have time
Prenatal appointments are an amazing way to get thrilled about your pregnancy. Of course, watching your baby-to-be on ultrasound is an incredible experience, however, even the other regularly scheduled check-ups can enable you to connect with the pregnancy and more gain knowledge about what to expect. You can ask your questions, find out what your wife is going through, and understand more about your child’s development.
While work and other obligations might prevent you from attending every visit, communicate with your co-parent about establishing a routine that enables you to attend as many as possible. This can continue as long as the child is scheduled for newborn doctor visits.
8. Acknowledge that your sex life may change
Becoming a parent can have a significant impact on your romantic life. You may feel a variety of emotions – deeply connected to them and craving the intimacy of sex, anxious about doing something that may jeopardize the pregnancy or merely confused – from the moment you discover that your partner is pregnant. This is another situation in which honest communication is essential. It’s critical to be aware of all the changes you’re both experiencing— sleep deprivation, breastfeeding, the emotional influence of having a new baby— and to connect with your spouse about their as well as your own needs in terms of closeness and sex.
9. Celebrate the milestones
The progression of pregnancy and celebrations such as baby showers are generally concentrated on the pregnant woman, but you are equally a part of this. Consider throwing a co-ed shower so that you can join in on the celebrations. Go shopping with your partner for baby-related products. Keep a diary of how you’re starting to feel. Take loads of photos of yourself all through the pregnancy. It is equally beneficial for you to record such life changes.
10. Accept your place in preparations
There’s a plethora of things to do to get ready for a new baby. It’s not just about bearing the child. To prepare for your new-born baby, you will need to create a registry, organise a space, save money, study child care, and many other tasks. You might discover that you love being a member of all activities or that you are better suited to only managing specific areas. Look for various ways to get involved in preparing for your newborn’s arrival.