- Try not to talk about pregnancy just in terms of YOU. He needs to hear you talking about "our baby," "his baby." Ask him questions from early on about what he'd like to do as a dad and what sort of dad he wants to be. Get him to write down his thoughts so that he thinks about it and can reflect on it later.
- Share baby's growth. If you are reading in detail about the development of the baby and he isn't, leave him some cute sticky notes around the house, in his brief case or car. Let him know that today "your baby has developed fingernails" or this week "he’s as big as an orange." Get him thinking that you have a real person inside you.
- Financial stuff -- there is nothing like writing a will and organizing your finances to make you realize there is change in the wind. Get onto it as early as possible.
- Supporting mom is being a good dad!Remind him that whilst he can't do anything directly for the baby that by helping you and supporting you he is, in fact, helping the baby. If you are healthier, happier, and more comfortable, so is the baby.
- Share movements. Once the baby starts moving and kicking when you get into bed get him to spoon you with his hand on your tummy and DON'T TALK. Let him lie in the dark and silence and just feel the baby. Many dads I've spoken with have said that when they have felt the baby kick when their partner was asleep it made them feel truly connected for the first time.
- Buy him a cookbook with recipes created for pregnancy nutrition. I really believe this is something that has been overlooked. If he knows the health benefits to you and the baby of certain recipes he will get a real buzz out of it. For example a recipe that has ingredients to assist with brain development or muscle growth. How cool!
- Tell him about the things that make the baby happy. Whether it’s cooking you a meal, making you a cup of tea, walking together, cuddling or listening to music if he does something with you let him know that the little person in you liked it.
- Reassure him that his life isn't about to end. Some men can resent the baby out of fear that it’s going to cause a catastrophic change in their life. Talk about the changes ahead and the adjustments that you need to make but let him know he'll still be able to do whatever it is he loves and wants to do -- maybe just not as often!
- Watch Being Dad. Many men need to be "given permission" to feel like it's ok to be emotionally involved with their baby in utero or soon after birth. Listening to other men talk about their experiences and how wonderful being a dad can be is a liberating experience for many guys.
- Give the baby a nickname and encourage him to talk to him/her. Not only can it be fun but it's a constant reminder there is a real person in there and having spoken with them for 6 months when they finally meet, I'm certain it’s going to be special.
(Week 6)
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