Communicate
Talking about your expectations, feelings, but also concerns and fears (perhaps about the delivery) will only strengthen your bond. Listening to the heartbeat together for the first time is very special. In this way, you share those important moments in the pregnancy.
Some tips
Here are some tips:
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Plan doctor’s appointments so your partner can attend as well. It is of course mainly about your schedule, but also keep your partner’s schedule in mind. The first echo, the beating heart, these are all moments when your baby is present ‘more’.
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Ask your partner to help prepare the nursery. Your partner wants to feel useful and have their own input. Don’t take all decisions on your own, but involve your partner in everything as much as possible.
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If your partner takes the initiative to talk or read to the baby, don’t laugh this off. If the baby kicks, let your partner feel this as often as he/she wants.
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Take a pregnancy course together. By doing this, your partner will be better prepared for the delivery and he or she can help you when the time has come. During these courses there are often also exercises done where you are present together for the delivery and baby. You can cherish these special moments forever.
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Keep a baby diary. Even though this may seem like a typical female activity, fathers may also enjoy adding comments and notes for their future son or daughter.
Different
There is no denying that this experience is somewhat different for your partner than it is for you. They can’t feel the hormonal fluctuations and don’t suffer from morning sickness. For them life simply continues for a while longer and it may not truly dawn on them that they are about to be a father or a mother until the time of the delivery.
Do not assume that they aren’t interested or moved by what is happening. Doing things together will help strengthen the bond and prepare the future father or mother for life with a family.