It is common for you to receive congratulations when someone finds out your wife is pregnant. Next, they advise you as to how to prepare and what you need to do.
The most specific yet, pretty much useless advice will come from your friends who have never been fathers and are still unmarried, but those with children will just stare at you and say, “Hmmm,” when they hear about your plans.
This can be particularly frustrating because you need to hear what they have to say. What do they know that will be of great help?
Well, never mind, this article got you covered. Let’s go on a quick journey.
5 WAYS TO BE FULLY PREPARED FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE
Trust me, and I’ve been there before. I know what I’m doing. Follow these steps to stay one-foot ahead.
1. EXCITEMENT AND ANXIETY ARE TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN
The medical industry has grown immensely in the last few decades. Technicians will come with all the possible complications with a deluge of mind-boggling terms; your wife will have to undergo a plethora of tests, especially if she’s over 35; in your head, all the things you need to do and not do will float—all you need to buy (new tires, a new home). You’d think about when and where to put up the nursery shelves? What are the best baby products to buy?
Let’s not forget the pressure from family, friends, and work. You’d practically be on the verge of losing it. Yes, you are excited to become a father, but the anxiety that comes with it can sometimes overwhelm you and drown the excitement.
Here’s what you can do. Be an Upside Dad, read instructional manuals and blogs. The baby isn’t even close to being born yet. Gradually, you will become comfortable with the unfamiliar role of a supporting player.
2. THE DELIVERY ROOM DOESN’T EXIST
Witnessing childbirth is one of the life-changing moments that happen in every father’s life. It changes everything for you. Nothing can adequately prepare you for this moment, and the best is to anticipate whatever it is.
You become a punching bag, and you are cursed out of the blues. Everything in that moment is heightened, especially the woman’s rage. So fellas, don’t take it to heart.
Never encourage her to push harder. If she could, she’d throw you out the window in seconds.
Some women develop Postnatal PTSD (Postnatal post-traumatic stress disorder), simply called Birth trauma, after a traumatic experience in the delivery room, such as the death of a child.
Lastly, whatever happens in the delivery room, stays in the delivery room. Do not bring it up.
3. WALK WITH AN OPEN MIND AND AN OPEN CHECKBOOK
Unless you can correctly resolve every challenge on your own, you may need to consult with a variety of experts. Learn the following: A nanny is responsible for caring for the baby, a doula is responsible for caring for the mother, and a lactation consultant is responsible for caring for the breasts. None of them are as expensive as a losing night of poker with the boys.
Count your many blessings (non-financial). You will probably spend more than you have ever done, but you will be living with intangible riches. Like the intense love of your family, especially your wife.
4. REMEMBER THIS WISE WORDS: SHE IS THE BOSS
Life has become radically different for you. You may be uncertain about your identity. Your surefooted, decisive approach does not work as well at home as it has at work.
So here’s a recommendation: Defer to her. Yes, you handle it incorrectly—the baby, the bottle, your head. Let her take the lead and see you listen.
Remember, if she’s happy, you will be happy.
5. EXPECT THE WEIRD CRAVINGS
During pregnancy, pregnant women tend to prefer to eat anything and everything! This may be weird, but like it or not, it gets weirder and weirder as time passes.
There has been an argument to show that cravings are linked to nutritional deficiencies.
The western concept of pregnancy cravings is heavily influenced by Darwinian thought. Cravings are viewed as a Darwinian way to meet the body’s need for certain nutrients.
An increased blood volume and a mild vitamin C deficiency will probably drive her to gobble up a lot of green chilies in lemon juice with chaat masala.
This is also one reason why women favor pickles or sour-tasting foods. However, if she desires sugar or anything else edible, that’s also fine.
She also knows it is not common practice to dip fried chicken in marmalade; however, she feels like doing it. Just don’t pick on her because of what she eats. Rather, be prepared to go out and buy something for her or cook for her.
To conclude, having a child is mostly like the toughest thing any couple would ever do. It can take a toll on anyone in any direction, but it’s totally worth it. Build your pregnancy team, provide postpartum support, and remain mindful of your partner’s efforts … you will be fine.
