Expectant Dad

Now that your partner is pregnant you both have made a commitment to bring a new life into the world, there will be a lot of changes in your life that you need to get accustomed to. It is quite overwhelming to be an expectant dad. Apart from your partner’s constantly growing belly, there are several other things that will begin to change. You will not only need to look after your pregnant partner, but you will also need to be very supportive throughout the pregnancy.

Carrying the baby and giving birth to it is definitely a mom’s job, but dads can make the entire process easier for moms if they help and support them. When an expectant dad shares half of the responsibilities with the expecting mother, it becomes easier for her to feel relaxed and keep the baby safe. Most Fathers fear will they be able to provide and protect their family, not just financially but emotionally as well. If you are feeling anxious and nervous, and don’t know how to deal with this new status, then we have got you covered. In this blog you will find everything that you need to know and do when you are an expectant dad.

Divide the Chores

Now that your partner is bearing a baby, she cannot deal with the stress of working and then returning home to do household chores. If she’s the one who does most of the chores, then now is the time to divide them. If your partner does the dishes, you should do the laundry, and if she sets the bed sheets, then you need to take care of cooking.

Sit and discuss with your partner about the chores and divide them. If there are chores that she is uncomfortable doing with a big belly, then take them over. Sometimes cooking becomes a nuisance for pregnant moms who feel nauseated by the strong smell of food. So, if she is not comfortable with cooking, you can do that on her behalf. You should also not let your expecting partner handle heavy shopping or grocery bags because it puts stress on the baby.

Your partner might also be feeling tired during the pregnancy, so it is your responsibility to comfort her. As an expectant dad, you need to understand that the mother’s entire body is going through a massive change. So, it is fair that you cut her some slack and be very cooperative.

Learn Everything about Pregnancy

If you don’t know what pregnancy is like, how can you offer help to your partner? An expecting mother is going through everything, so she comes to know with time. But for an expectant dad, it can be quite confusing to find out how their partner is feeling. Therefore, if you want to support your partner, then make sure you read everything about pregnancy. There are books that you can take help from or simply surf through the internet.

Visit the Doctor with your Partner

Your expecting partner will be visiting her nurse quite frequently. So, whenever your partner is going for her antenatal checkups, make sure you go along. When you’ll be there with her, she will feel more comfortable and relaxed. These visits to the doctor will also teach you a lot of things about pregnancy and your unborn baby. You will also be able to learn more about your unborn baby, get to hear its heartbeat, and see its growth as well.

You should also attend different classes with your partner. Enroll in classes for new parents and learn to change baby nappy, and a lot of other things that are new to you. This is also a great way to strengthen your bond with your partner and tell them that you are standing with them.

Support Her during Delivery

Your expecting partner will be going through a 360 degree change in her lifestyle and body. When she has entered her last trimester, she will be really scared and anxious about delivery. She will have a lot of concerns and you are the only one who can make her feel relaxed. When your partner is in the last weeks of her pregnancy, you need to prepare for your baby’s delivery. Help your partner prepare a hospital bag and plan everything out before time.

When your partner goes into labor, it is the time for you to show your support, and keeping the situation calm. Cheer her up or distract her. Make sure you are there when she needs to go to the hospital. Tell her that everything is going to be fine and make her feel confident that she can do it. If your partner wants you during the delivery, then be there and hold her hands.

Bonding with the Newborn

Now that your baby is born, it is time to bond with them. As much as your baby needs their mother, they also need their dads to be with them. Bonding with a tiny baby can be confusing for new dads, but you can do a number of things to show your baby how much you love them. You can change their nappies, feed them, and wake up in the middle of the night to help with night feeds.

The more time you spend with your baby, the more they will get close to you. You can also spend time talking to your baby which will be great to make them get used to your voice.

Being an expectant dad is completely awesome. When you fulfill your responsibilities as a dad, you will be able to grow a stronger bond with your little one. Once your baby is able to walk on its own, you can do a lot more things together like playing and heading out to the park.

It is alright to have cold feet on the thought of having a baby of your own, but it is normal and every dad feels the same way. It makes you nervous in the beginning, but when you begin to get involved, it turns into the best feeling in the world.