Nowadays, pictures of men supporting their pregnant partners are very common on social media sites; whether they contain a common man or a celebrity, the pictures are frequently uploaded and much admired. Accompanying their pregnant wives during a routine medical check-up, or staying put in the delivery room while the baby is on the way out, the would-be fathers can be seen getting more and more involved in the beautiful journey of nine months. The new-age expectant dads are playing a more active role in supporting and encouraging their better-halves.
Being a parent is not only a nine-month exercise, it’s a lifetime endeavour. If you and your wife are expecting a baby, both of you must be feeling a little anxious and stressed at the prospect of becoming parents. It is better to have open communication with each other, as that will not only release tensions but also promote closeness. Try to discuss each and every aspect, be it parenting styles, financial preparation or family support.
Speaking in a purely physical sense, pregnancy is all about the mothers; it is their bodies which carry and nurture babies. But the emotional aspect of having a child is something, which if properly handled, can reduce the discomfort associated with the process of child-bearing. A loving partner is a person who can optimally fulfil the emotional needs of his pregnant beloved.
Becoming parents will not only change your lives, but it will also bring a lot of change in the relationship that two of you share with each other. The period from conception to delivery has a transformative effect on the couples. It is a stressful experience and is likely to be challenging for even the best of relationships. But on the plus side, planning and having a baby showcases the stability and strength of a relationship. Once the baby finally arrives, bringing him/her up builds maturity and responsibility in the parents.
Those Three Trimesters
First – the Start-up
During the initial days of pregnancy, you need to be more patient, especially if it’s your first child. Your wife may appear as a stranger to you because of various mood swings and emotions which are brewing inside of her. It’s your responsibility to be with her as a supporter and motivator whenever she gets afraid of becoming fat, or worries about her being a bad mother. She may not feel hungry at the time of having a meal and might just crave for food right in the middle of the night. Don’t get irritated and deal with it patiently. It is just her fluctuating hormones which are playing with her system.
Second – Good News for You
All these cravings and mood swings disappear automatically during the second trimester, but many more challenges are on the way. Because of the frequent trips to the washroom (for urination or vomiting) the whole night, your wife will get a disturbed sleep and so would you. Don’t complain as she is suffering much more than you. Just be happy in anticipation of what is about to come by the 5th month – your baby’s first kick!
Third – and the Countdown Begins
If possible, be with her during the pre-natal check-ups. Don’t ever miss those wonderful moments of listening to the heartbeat and watching the movements of the baby in the ultrasound monitor. It not only gives your wife a feeling of togetherness, it also gives you a feeling of completeness. It has been observed that many husbands get emotional at this moment and break into tears.
Apart from that, it is very important to take care of some other little things that include:
- Stop smoking.
- Be sensitive about sex and intimacy.
- Praise her and tell her she is beautiful.
- Click some images with her baby belly.
- Keep exchanging sweet nothings with her; those 3 magical words (I love you) always work wonders.
Planning and Preparation
There is one more way to get involved with your beloved and the unborn child. Go for shopping with your wife and help her in the selection of those little lovely things like cribs, blankets, strollers, and other baby things. Don’t forget to design the baby’s room.
You have taken care of your beloved during the last nine months and made so many preparations for the arrival of your baby. Finally, the moment has arrived – it’s time to roll out the red carpet!
The Final Moment – Be with Her during Birth
Those days are gone when would-be fathers have to stay outside the operation theatre in a tensed condition, looking at their watch repeatedly, waiting for the nurse to make the big declaration – it’s a girl! It’s a boy!
These days many hospitals allow husbands to join their partners during their labour time. But usually, the permission is granted only to those who are ready to stand by the side of their wives during the entire process of delivery, helping her, motivating her. It would be good if you attend some classes which will teach you how to handle that crucial time. It would be a whole new experience for you – watching your baby take his or her first breath in our world. The moment is sure to cause an emotional high, you may start to cry and laugh at the same time.
For your wife, delivering a child is going to be one of the scariest moments of her life. You can’t ever imagine the pain that she will be experiencing. All she would want from you is your presence by her side, supporting her at every moment. For you too, it would be a harrowing time seeing your love in such excruciating pain. But this is also the time when you further strengthen your bond of love and commitment. Be her breathing coach, hand or leg holder.
You will probably get a chance to cut the baby’s umbilical cord and finally introduce him/her to the outside world. Be more strong and confident and stand by her as a pillar during those hard moments in the labour room. Capture those precious loving moments by clicking the first image of your baby. And join the group of those smart daddies who can readily narrate the journey of their kid’s first day on earth.
What to Expect right After the Birth
This is not the destination, many more things are yet to come. Actually, the journey has just begun.
- Try to help your wife with breastfeeding.
- Grab a chance to bathe the baby.
- Keep visitors at bay.
- Make sure the birth certificate and other documents are well prepared.
- Make the car seat ready to go.
Welcome to the World of Postpartum
The Postpartum period is the time when the mother or father or both may get overwhelmed by the challenges of bringing up an infant. Postpartum depression is not something which every new parent experiences. But it is something which can be problematic for those who suffer from it, and also for the people who are around him/her. Thus, during this time of adjustment, one needs to be more bold and strong. And if you give up now, all that planning and building up sessions will go in vain.
Be a Perfect Partner and a Darling Daddy
It is not very easy to excel at both the jobs. Your wife may have gone through depression, stress, low self-esteem and other such problems during her pregnancy and right afterwards. She needs a lot of pampering, love, understanding and respect to regain her spirits. Your new role as a dad is also a challenging one. The newborn should also be attended to and loved by the father. Express your inner feelings to make your wife believe that the child is special and wanted by not only her but you too.
Wish You Both A Happy Family Life!!!
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