Are you ready for Fatherhood...?

If you are going to be a dad for the first time in your life …that too within nine months, expect how your reactions would be. You cannot explain. That is the great wonder of ‘being a father’. Though one is positive about his partner’s pregnancy, still you may have few doubts and confusion. First time pregnancy to your partner definitely stimulates feelings of fear and hope.

do not worry. It is okay to feel nervous about the delivery of your child. You need to educate yourself what you can do to support your partner during pregnancy. Enrolling yourself for childbirth classes along with your wife could help you to ease the tension. Fathers are often asked to accompany their wives at every session. Childbirth classes such as Lamaze classes train dads about labour and delivery. Birthing classes make dads ready to take part in the process of childbirth so that they can offer physical and emotional support to the mother. 

Discuss with your wife about hopes and dreams, fears and anxieties of becoming parents to a child.

Regularly go on walks along with your partner.

Talk about how to handle various things in the coming months and how to enjoy the pregnancy time.

For himself

Spend some time with your close heart-to-heart friends with whom you can share the news of your ‘new role’ and enjoy those moments.

Purchase one or few books on parenting, go through them and prepare yourself to be ‘the best’ father.

Also spend some time alone and enjoy the feelings of becoming a father.

Men really have no concept of how she feels physically and emotionally during this time, so they need her help and direction to create a safe and friendly environment for the mother-to-be and the child. They need to feel part of this miraculous process to establish a relationship with the unborn child early on.

For herself

Your partner cannot be the only source of your fulfillment; you must create a support group especially in this miraculous time. Find friends who are willing to listen, find other mothers-to-be (your healthcare provider, your doula can help you with this one), and find chat rooms and web sites to answer your questions. Enroll in prenatal yoga or exercise classes.

Find a therapist if you feel the need to work on some of the tough issues that are coming up. Your insurance might cover a few sessions. No matter where and what you must rely on, multiple sources of support await you’re asking.

Yes, it is your time to get pampered, dear one, but remember that men also go through incredible changes during this time. They might not be hormonal, nor will they show up physically, but having a child is an emotional, mental and spiritual event for both of you. Acknowledge the little and big things he does for you. Tell him how to be useful, welcome him in your arms as often as you can, and remind him why you love him and why you think he will make a great father. This is such a magical time for both of you, cherish it. Every moment counts!

Supporting your partner in labour

Understand the three stages of labour. The first stage of the labour first stage may last for a few days or weeks. In the active stage, mum-to be will notice increased contractions. Your partner needs you the most at this time. Encourage her that she is doing really well. Try to distract her. A soft massage or acupressure can be uplifting for her at this stage. Help her to relax. Be with her. 

In transition stage contractions will be more intense. She may experience severe lower back pain and nausea. Keep her reminding that this is the shortest period of labour. Sit beside her, hold her hand, and give her a warm hug.

Supporting your partner while delivering a baby

In the second stage a mother would feel the strong urge to push. She will experience exhaustion, a burning sensation and pain while the baby's head crowns out of the vaginal passage. Help her to take a comfortable position. Your partner's health care provider will assist you to know the most comfortable position during contractions. Squatting position is considered the most comfortable position while delivering a baby. Change in the sexuality of your partner due to the hormonal changes in her body will be a major worry for you during this time. But don’t worry too much. Pay a heed to these great tips.

This is the time you have to start helping your partner in household chores. Happily accept this new job and perform it well.

Take share in the feelings of your partner on going to be a great mom soon.

Let your wife know clearly that she has to inform and discuss on the positives and negatives she may face in the coming months.

Stage three is the final stage which ends with the delivery of your most awaited bundle of joy. The physical changes that your partner goes through and their adverse effect on her psychological state will be a major problem for you.

Embrace your baby and hold it to her mom. Congratulations!