Getting Ready for a Family

Being emotionally prepared for a baby is just as important for dads as it is for moms. Whether you have plenty of experience with young children or are stepping into the baby world for the first time, becoming a dad is sure to be a new and exciting adventure!

Preparing for Baby

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey for both moms and dads. Spanning about 40 weeks, it’s an extraordinary period of growth as a woman’s body readies itself to welcome a new life into the world. While you may not experience the physical changes firsthand, you play a vital role as a supportive partner. Always remember, you are your partner’s greatest cheerleader throughout her pregnancy.

Supporting Mom During Pregnancy

Take-on Chores

Over the next nine months, mom’s body will go through many changes, and stepping up to handle household tasks like cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping can make a big difference in supporting her.

Be Present

Support her as much as you can. Often, simply being there—both physically and emotionally—is enough to share in the pregnancy journey and make her feel cared for.

Stay Involved

To ensure your baby’s healthy development, mom will have regular check-ups with her healthcare provider. Make an effort to attend these appointments with her. Witnessing your baby’s growth and hearing those first heartbeats are unforgettable moments. You’re an essential part of this incredible journey and the miracle of life.

Check Your Employee Benefits

Many employers now provide paternity leave for new dads. Does your company offer this benefit? If so, it’s important to find out how long the leave lasts and review the policies regarding time off for prenatal appointments.

Talk About Your Worries

Pregnancy is often a joyful time, but it’s natural for dads to feel concerned about things like finances—especially if you’re transitioning from two incomes to one—or managing new responsibilities.

Share your thoughts and concerns with your partner, and work together to make decisions that ease your worries. It can also be helpful to seek advice from other dads you trust about the challenges they faced and how they navigated them.

Pregnancy

Whether this is mom’s first pregnancy or an addition to your growing family, each pregnancy is unique. As her body undergoes many changes over the next nine months, stepping in to handle household tasks like cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping can be a big help. Be there for her as much as you can—sometimes, just your physical and emotional presence is all she needs to feel supported and share in the experience.

Stages of Pregnancy

Pregnancy is categorized by three important stages called trimesters, and each trimester include changes to both mom and baby’s bodies:

First Trimester (0-13 Weeks)

Although you may not see the obvious physical changes just yet, mom’s body is working hard behind the scenes. Her hormone levels are rising, which can lead to a range of feelings like nausea, mood swings, weight changes, fatigue, and food cravings or aversions. Support her by helping her manage these discomforts in healthy ways, such as stocking up on nutritious foods she enjoys, taking walks together outdoors, or giving her quiet time to rest and recharge.

Month 1

Your body is preparing to support the growing needs of your baby.

Month 2

Your baby is developing their fingers, toes, and eyes.

Month 3

Your baby’s ears are formed along with the beginnings of teeth.

Second Trimester (14-26 Weeks)

The second trimester of pregnancy is often called the “honeymoon period” because many women begin to feel relief from the discomforts of the first trimester. This is when you may start to notice a baby bump, a “pregnancy glow,” and mom might begin to feel the baby move. It’s also around this time, typically between 18-20 weeks, that you’ll find out the sex of your baby during a routine ultrasound, though some tests can reveal this earlier. You can begin bonding with your baby early by playing the “tapping” game—each time mom feels a kick, gently tap her stomach in the same spot. The baby will quickly start to recognize this “call and response” interaction.

Month 4

Your baby can suck their
thumb, yawn, stretch, and
make faces.

Month 5

You may begin to feel your baby
move – they are developing muscles and exercising them.

Month 6

Your baby now has a unique set of fingerprints. You may start to notice them hiccup.

Third Trimester (27-40 Weeks)

The third trimester is often a time of excitement, with lots of celebrations, baby showers, and preparations like birthing classes and getting the nursery ready. Make sure to help her prepare her labor “go-bag” and keep it in a convenient spot so you’re ready when the time comes. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the birth plan, so you understand her preferences for labor and delivery, including pain management options and who she wants present during the birth.

Month 7

Your baby’s hearing is fully developed and respond to stimuli, including sound and light.

Month 8

Baby’s brain is developing rapidly at this time, and they can see and hear the world around them.

Month 9

Your baby is getting ready for birth and may change positions to prepare for labor and delivery.

Labor and Delivery

As the father, you play a crucial role in the labor experience. You are her best friend, her biggest supporter, and her coach. No matter how you look at it, labor is hard work, but she is a Strong Florida Mom and she CAN DO THIS. Make sure to let her know when she’s doubting herself.

Shut out the outside world. During this time, your full attention should be on mom and baby, not anything happening outside the room. People can be updated later. Turn off your phone and focus solely on supporting your partner in every way you can.
Roll with the changes. Labor can be unpredictable. She might spend a long time pushing, feel exhausted, or even need a c-section. While it’s important to know her wishes, be prepared to adapt. Her healthcare team will guide you if circumstances require a change in plans.
Don’t take it personally. Giving birth is a long and intense process, and some women cope by retreating inwardly or even becoming irritable toward their partner. Don’t take it personally. When it’s time to push, be the best leg holder, hand holder, or breathing coach you can be.
Capture the moment, but be present in it! Technology is always within reach, and while photos and videos can preserve precious memories, they shouldn’t distract you from the main focus. Be mindful of when she needs you to put the tech aside and simply be there for her in the moment.

Ultimately, your level of involvement in the birth is a decision you and your partner will make together. One thing is certain—this will be one of the most incredible experiences of your life.