Congratulations! You are among the expectant dads in town. Well, the only thing missing is the baby bump. The news that you will be a dad soon left you with a mix of excitement and confusion. Feelings of shock, panic and a notion that you are not ready to be a father are normal. It is a big change for you and needs a major adjustment in your life especially because you have never been a father figure before. The best news is that you are neither the first nor the last to have these emotions. Every new dad-to-be feels the same once he receives the news of the awaiting fatherhood. To ease your tension, however, below are some tips that will see you adjust well during the pregnancy.
Have Enough Finances
It’s great joy to you as you expect a new member in the family, but that means a stretch in your pockets. Therefore, you better get start saving soonest. Even then, don’t exaggerate it. There is a tendency in most first time parents to spend extravagantly on baby stuff just because of the excitement that comes with it. The best thing should be discussing with your spouse on a budget you are willing to work with. All in all, as the father to be, ensure you have enough money to cater for the many expenses that babies demand before and after pregnancy.
Bond with the Little One
To consider yourself pregnant, the little unborn munchkin needs to feel your presence. You might be wondering how since you have no baby bump, right? The UnbornHeart fetal Doppler could do the trick for you. The Doppler is specially created to allow the parents to be, and other loved ones bond with the baby before it is born. This is made possible through listening to the sweet heartbeats at the comfort of your couch. The sounds can also be recorded for future retrieval or even better sent through email or on social media. As a dad to be, this is the best way to get attached and bond with your baby before its arrival. You can also take advantage by singing or even reading stories to him. This way, after birth, he won’t appear a stranger to you.
Get Informed
Plenty awaits you during and after pregnancy. You better get start learning new things that pertain to fatherhood. The best way to learn is accompanying your partner during her ANC and childbirth classes. Additionally, follow blogs such as the UnbornHeart blog that educate parents-to-be on what to expect with their little one. Download different apps that aim at educating parents to be and be informed of various changes that are happening in your baby mama’s body as well as the development of your child. You can be assured that, the more information you get pertaining pregnancy and parenthood, the more relaxed you become.
Talk It Out
Women are experts in many areas, and they know a lot especially on anything that pertains children. If you feel left out, don’t be shy to talk it out with your partner. Let her know your concerns and what your role is in the pregnancy. Enquire on how she feels and ask questions if you do not understand. Talk about the expected baby, how you intend to raise him and ask her to share her thoughts. This way, you will feel pregnant too. If anything bothers you try to be open to your partner and let her know about it. If you want to help out in various activities around the house, let her know about it. After all, it took both of you to start out the pregnancy journey.
Pack the Hospital Bag
Yes, you will require a bag. Well, your baby mama needs a hospital bag packed with her essentials and those of the little one. But you need a bag too. This bag should be packed early enough since you don’t know when the labor will hit you. Some of the essentials to put in that small bag include any documents you need for your spouse delivery such as insurance and admission forms. Some headache painkillers (trust me you will need them after running up and down to have everything fixed in labor ward). Long sleeved sweatshirts as hospitals may be a bit cold, a camera to document some precious moments, a magazine or book to keep you busy, and other personal effect items. It couldn’t hurt to throw some surprise presents in her bag too such as chocolate and snacks which you can also feast together.
Being a father is fun but may be full of anxiety and many lessons. As any father would say, it is the most important job any male human figure can get in this world. You are lucky to be headed there. Embrace the experience and have fun while it lasts. The above tips are just a snapshot of what you should be doing in preparation for becoming a father. There are loads of more activities to indulge in. So, keep learning to uncover them.
All the best in your fatherhood journey!
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