Obviously, pregnancy for male partners won’t be the same as it will be for moms-to-be, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a joint venture.
Fathers may not be the ones who experience morning-noon-and-night sickness, but they can help their partner out by bringing her a soothing smoothie. They won’t have an aching back and feet but can perfect the art of the foot and back rub to ease her pain. And although they won’t be giving birth, they can be by their partner’s side, cheering and reassuring her along the way.
In other words, we want to let you know right off the bat that every baby is unique and different in its own way. There is no definitive guide on how to be a dad because everyone gets to shape what being an ideal dad looks like for themselves. The point of these tips is to highlight what has worked for some of us in the past.
Supporting your partner during pregnancy
Pregnancy can be both physically and emotionally exhausting for your partner but your support can help ease the process. Get more involved with the house chores so that your partner can get adequate rest. Furthermore, your partner would have her set of doubts as well. With emotions running high, pregnancy, especially for first-time moms, could get a little scary. Be the hand she can hold onto and the shoulder she can cry on during this period.
Figure out how to share responsibility for the baby
New dads can do almost everything new moms can do: change diapers, give baths, share stories, and take turns walking and soothing the baby when it’s crying. If your partner is breastfeeding, you can participate by bringing the baby to her, or burping him when he’s done. Sharing these responsibilities right from the start gives you a chance to get to know your baby and build a strong foundation for a relationship with him.
Start healthy habits
Habits take time to build and you being healthy as a new dad can be very important for your baby. The healthier you are, the more energy you will have to devote to your baby. You don’t need to go vegan and start exercising with a fitness group three days a week at 5 a.m.–that’s madness. Do little things that make you feel good. Look after yourself and your partner, because these little things will one day pass down to your kids. Remember, healthy kids are happy kids.
Help her get some sleep
Falling asleep gets difficult and uncomfortable as the pregnancy proceeds. Getting her a full-body pillow that will make side-sleeping a bit more comfortable by helping support the back and cradling the belly is definitely a gift she would appreciate.