How to Support an Expectant Father During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be an exciting time for both the expectant mother and the father. While no one doubts that expectant mothers need support during their pregnancies, we sometimes forget that expectant fathers need support too. If you know an expectant father, here's how you can support him during the pregnancy.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Be there for the expectant father if he needs to talk to you during the pregnancy. He may not want to talk to anyone about his feelings at first, but when he is ready, listen intently. Some expectant fathers may not feel comfortable talking about their feelings related to the pregnancy. Give these men their space until they are ready to talk or until they indicate that they need your support.

2. Acknowledge the expectant father's feelings about the pregnancy and the changes that are about to happen in his life. Do not dismiss his feelings as invalid. Telling the expectant father that you hear him and sympathizing will go a long way.

3. Recount your experiences with babies and pregnancy with the expectant father. If you can tell the expectant father how you managed to get through a pregnancy and how you dealt with problems and issues that you encountered, he might not feel alone. If you could get through it, so can the expectant father.

4. Answer any questions. If this is the first time for an expectant father, he is facing a great unknown, and that can be intimidating. Calm him with information.

5. Encourage the expectant father to attend class, such as a childbirth class or a baby-care class. These classes may alleviate his trepidation and can make him feel more comfortable with his new role.

6. Buy the expectant father a book dealing with dads and pregnancy. You can find these books online or at a local bookstore.

7. Involve the expectant father in the pregnancy and in the decision-making. This will make him feel like he is an important part of the event, and it will help him be more familiar about the changes and plans that are taking place.