Your wife or girlfriend is pregnant and you’re ecstatic to become a dad. Shelley Pett, who has taught prenatal classes for 14 years, says there’s a lot you can do to help your partner through those nine months.
“Empathy, and then a little more empathy,” says Shelley Pett, Coordinator of Prenatal Education, Sunnybrook. “Remember that your partner’s body is changing rapidly. There are many physical pregnancy discomforts, and she may be tired and moody too. Remember that this is all new for her too. She needs you to be understanding, and to ask what she needs.”
In other words, imagine having a watermelon under your shirt and trying to unload the dishwasher. Not to mention your feet are swollen, you’re nauseous…well, you catch the drift.
Shelley has some concrete tips for expectant dads:
1. Attend as much as you can: Doctor’s appointments, ultrasound scans, and prenatal classes — your presence will be appreciated — and you’ll learn a lot about what’s ahead.
2. Home front support: Some nights, pregnancy fatigue will set in and she won’t be able to get off the couch. Do the shopping, cooking and cleaning. If it’s not your first child, pitch in to take care of the other children.
3. Get healthy: Join your partner in eating healthily and doing some moderate exercise together. Reduce or cut down on your alcohol intake.
4. Prep the nest: Help put together all of the ‘baby stuff’, like crib, change table, swing, stroller.
4. Mentally prepare for labour: You’ll be needed at the ‘big event’ — be ready to do whatever is needed. Pack her favorite snacks and music. And be ready for the best thing ever, hearing the words “you’re a dad”.
