Just
For Dads
Dad's
Role During Pregnancy
“I’m
pregnant!”
The
news that a baby is on the way can stir up a variety of feelings
in both parents. Along with a sense of excitement and anticipation,
most expectant parents also feel a bit nervous or anxious. For
expectant dads in particular, it’s completely normal to
feel concerned about:
• Money:
can we handle the added expenses?
• Lifestyle:
will we have to give up some of the things we like to do?
• Parenting:
do I have what it takes to be a good father?
Expectant
dads usually feel much better as soon as they begin to talk
to other men about how they have dealt with these issues. They
quickly realize they are not alone! Dads-to-be can also gain
practical tips from books and parenting Web sites. Bookstores
offer a selection of books for written especially for dads-in-waiting.
Some Web sites provide a special section just for fathers.
Some also offer chat rooms and “bulletin boards” that
connect dads with each other or with parenting experts. Here
are four Web sites with helpful information for dads:
www.parents.com
www.dadstoday.com
www.babycenter.com
http://www.timbete.com/
A
dad’s most important role during pregnancy is to provide
encouragement and support for the mom-to-be. While a pregnant
woman may have support from friends and family, and from her
MedCost Prenatal Program nurse, support from the baby’s
father is usually the most meaningful to her. Here are some
ways to be supportive of your baby’s mother while waiting
for your son or daughter to arrive:
-
Attend
prenatal doctor visits with her.
-
Attend
childbirth classes together.
-
Take
on an extra chore or two at home.
-
Help
her prepare the nursery.
-
Compliment
her appearance, remembering that the hormonal
changes and weight gain of pregnancy may make her feel unattractive.
-
Buy
a blank greeting card and write a note telling her she’ll
be
a great mom!
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