Pregnancy is an exciting and wondrous time for both Mommy and Daddy. However, some future fathers find themselves feeling left out of the loop when mom is experiencing her first pregnancy. After all, the mother gets to carry the baby, feel them kicking and develop an inexplicable bond throughout the nine months of pregnancy.
New fathers have a lot to deal with during pregnancy. They may be nervous or afraid that they aren’t prepared to handle the responsibilities of parenthood, or that they might not be a good father. They may fear that the new baby will somehow come between you and lessen your love for each other. They may just feel at a loss as to how to help you out as you prepare for the baby.
Keeping Daddy involved will help you both to adapt to the changes that a new baby is certain to bring into your life. He may feel helpless as he stands by and can’t seem to help you through the aches and pains that come with being pregnant. Having him give you a massage, rub your back or even brush your hair will help to keep the bond between the two of you strong. It’s only natural for him to feel protective and these small actions help him to feel that he is taking care of you.
You may feel the first kicks anytime between the 12th and 22nd weeks of pregnancy. It’s exciting for Daddy to feel these kicks too, so let him gently touch your stomach. If your baby is a playful one, you might even find that they will kick in response to Daddy’s hand moving around on your belly!
As their sense of hearing develops, they will begin to recognize voices and sounds. Daddy can talk to the baby or even read them a story! You might notice that the baby reacts to their father’s voice, or your own, by moving around, kicking, or becoming still. This isn’t just chance; they know already that you are their parents and both of you are forming a bond with the baby by talking, singing or reading to them.
You can also keep dad to be feeling involved with decision making like buying baby furniture and painting the nursery. Giving him the final decision making in this process will make him feel as if he is playing a very important role in his child’s comfort and happiness.
Attending doctor’s appointments and prenatal classes together is a great way to keep him up to speed on the baby’s development and any new symptoms you have been feeling. Hearing the baby’s heartbeat or seeing them move on the sonogram is a unique and emotional experience that both parents should be in attendance for.
Couple’s baby showers are gaining in popularity as some women just aren’t into the silly games and activities of traditional baby showers. Your husband might enjoy having his friends there to celebrate as well. You can also read books on pregnancy together; he will feel more involved and will also be learning valuable information about the pregnancy that could help later on as delivery approaches.
Staying involved should help Daddy feel more confident and informed about your pregnancy. The level of involvedness is up to the two of you; some men are just more comfortable with pregnancy than others. As long as the two of you both feel that you are working as a team and the needs of each person are being met, you are already doing a great job of parenting!
For more information on keeping excellent health for your and your baby just go to www.amazingpregnancysecrets.com
By Sally Aubrey
