Well done! You’re going to be a dad. That was the easy part. Being a dad starts before bub arrives. Here are some tips on the lead up to the big day:

1. Support – as if you wouldn’t!??? Pregnant women go through a huge range of hormonal changes which ain’t easy. Be a sport and support her through the peaks and troughs. It’s unlikely you’ll understand what’s going on all the time, but try and pretend you do.
2. Baby brain: Careful when and where you use this term. Forgetfulness and illogical actions are typical eg. Finding the mail in the fridge. Smile and don’t make a big deal out of relinquishing golf to go baby shopping at IKEA on a Saturday morning!
3. Be engaged and proactive. Clearly you’ll act interested. Follow the development of her and the bub through all the milestones, She’ll have at least 35 books on pregnancy, there’s bound to be some easy pictures you can relate to within one of them.
4. Talk. Women love it when we talk. Share your feelings and understand hers. I know shoving needles in your eyes often seems a more attractive option, but remember it’s not you that’s got the baby growing inside you!
5. Sex. Providing the pregnancy is progressing normally – check with your doctor – there is no apparent reason why you both can’t enjoy getting your leg over all the way through. Towards the end you may find it is recommend to assist with a healthy delivery. Getting your leg over gets more interesting as the bump gets bigger. Go for more creative positions. Enjoy!
6. Be prepared for the birth. Roll the rugs up, be involved with the hospital bag and keep the petrol topped up in the car. The baby is likely to come at an inconvenient time. She’ll have a birth plan – know it and be supportive about sticking to it.

Acknowledgments and references

Dadsclub.com.au forms its own opinion through its’ own expert contributors in addition to observations from third party literature, reviews, research, interviews and meetings.

Direct quotes will be referenced and acknowledged. Content from books and sites that have influenced a particular point of view will be referenced accordingly. In this instance:

Ian Bruce. 2005. How to be a great dad. Forward by Dr A Bradley. Foulsham. The Publishing House, Bennetts Close, Cippenham, Slough, UK.