Sharing your pregnancy with someone who cares about you can make the experience more exciting and may deepen your relationship. Although partners don’t experience all the discomforts and hormonal mood swings a pregnant mom does, it is common for partners to feel the same mixture of happiness, anxiety, excitement and fear, as they prepare for the upcoming birth.
Here are some suggestions for helping dads and partners feel more involved in the pregnancy:
Attend as many doctor/midwife appointments as possible to hear about options and concerns and to ask questions
Participate in childbirth, newborn care and breastfeeding classes before the birth. Being prepared provides most partners with the knowledge and confidence that they can make a difference in helping the pregnant mom.
DayOne's Pregnancy Value Package provides a comprehensive education for pregnant couples.
Keep the lines of communication open. Hormonal changes, sleeplessness and physical discomforts could make your pregnant partner grumpy and moody. Remind yourself that this too shall pass!
Take a tour of your hospital or birthing facility to learn where it is and when to arrive.
Know that just being there makes a huge difference. Listening is a wonderful gift to pregnant women!
Read and watch DVDs about becoming a dad/partner, about newborn care and about breastfeeding. The DayOne Library has excellent books, such as ABCs for Expectant Dads and The Complete Lesbian & Gay Parenting Guide.
Participate in learning about safety products, such as car seats, strollers, toys and baby products. DayOne offers a helpful class called Gearing Up for Baby, taught by an RN knowledgeable about chemicals and toxins in baby products. She will help you make the best and safest choices for your baby.
