How to Prepare for a Baby (Men)

Let's face it guys, when it comes to pregnancy, we got off easy. Here's how to show the mother-to-be that we are there from the start.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• A pregnant partner (Obviously!)
• love
• patience
• A willingness to change

1. Get involved early. From the moment your significant other tells you the exciting news, ask what you can do to help her through the process. The more aspects of the pregnancy you can involve yourself in, the more she'll feel that she's not going through it alone.
2. Attend the meaningful appointments. Nothing will mean more to the mother of your child than being there to hear the heartbeat for the first time, or watching the ultrasounds as the baby continues to grow.
3. Sacrifice. If you and your significant other share vices that can be harmful to the pregnancy, give them up together. This will create a sense of unity, and will eliminate any awkward situations that may arise during social events or family get-togethers.
4. Educate yourself. There are probably as many pregnancy self-help books on the market as there are actual pregnancies. Read them (Well, not all of them, but as many as you can stand). Talk to couple friends or family members who have kids to find out what to expect from the experience. Be open to childbirth classes, and find out if there are any support groups in your area for expectant fathers.
5. Talk to your baby. While opinions vary on the validity of this practice, there is no definitive proof that talking to your baby in utero is a waste of time. Whether it's singing, reading stories, or explaining the advantages of a Cover Two defense in third down situations, talking to your unborn child is a great way to connect (whether they can hear you or not), and to create a sense of intimacy with your partner.
6. Plan for the arrival. Shop for clothes, help pick out the big stuff, like a crib and a car seat, and get in on the designing of the nursery. Left to their own devices, expectant mothers are libel to go in an entirely different direction that you had in mind, so stay involved!
7. Last, but definitely not least, be patient. Your partner will likely experience a whole range of emotions during her pregnancy. Let her vent. Tell her daily that you are there for her. And whenever possible, don't respond to an emotional outburst with anger; remember, she is experiencing feelings and emotions that we as men cannot even begin to understand, and the less anxiety you create for her the better.