First Time Dad Tips During Pregnancy - A Survival Guide

You could be going through a lot of different emotions right now:
Fear
Happiness
Anger
Surprise
Gratitude

Whatever emotions you are feeling about being a first time dad, allow yourself to feel them.  It’s ok.  We all go through them. Pregnancy is all new to you so you are probably trying to figure out how to navigate it and what your role is.  Well, in this video we are going to provide you 5 first time dads tips during pregnancy

Before we get started with the first time dad tips, I want you to know one thing: everything is going to be ok.  Sometimes it doesn’t feel like that, but it will. I’ve been getting a lot of comments and emails lately from first time dads who are having difficulties.  Realize that you are not alone.  If you are feeling that way as well, hang in there. It can be an amazing ride if you allow it to be.  So let’s get to the tips:

#1 – This is a 50/50 deal – Yes she is carrying the baby but half of that DNA is yours so treat it like that.  Step up, be involved, and care deeply about that baby that is on it’s way. Some of you that are watching this may not have planned to be in this situation.  You may have a wife or girlfriend and this was not something you had anticipated on happening.  Either way I commend you for wanting to learn more about fatherhood.

#2 – She Will Get The Attention – So you announce that you and the lucky lady are going to have a baby.  The people around you will congratulate you, but that’s about where the attention for you ends.  From that point forward, people will ask how she is doing.  Rarely will people ask you how you are.  She will be the center of attention.  This should continue until the baby is born and then the baby is the center of attention.  She comes after the baby.  Then maybe you unless you have a family pet and then you will be fourth.  So if you are someone that needs attention, you are going to have to figure that out.

#3 – You Can’t Win Against Hormones  – There is no way to explain it, you just have to experience it.  Her body is changing, it’s supporting another human being.  It is amazing what the body does. However, hormones are no joke and I’m advising you not to try and battle them in any way. She may be sick quite a bit, exhausted tired, or her sex drive could be completely different than it was before. Don’t question anything. She may crave pickles and peanut butter, or require you to go out and get a steak burrito at night.  If you resist and she says “well, I am carrying your child” you really don’t have much of a comeback. My best advice is to just roll with it.  It will eventually pass.

#4 – Don’t Complain – Nobody wants to hear it and it’s not going to get you anywhere.  If there is a problem, figure out how to fix it.  If it’s something you can’t control or fix, ignore it or get over it. While complaining at anytime in your life it not an effective strategy, complaining while she is carrying the baby is just a waste of your energy.  Use your energy in more productive ways instead.

#5 – Learn To Communicate – Let’s face it, most of us guys are not that great at communicating. But I’m going to make it really easy for you.  There are only 2 things you need to remember in communication:

First: 93% of communication is how you say it.  Your body language and tone of voice make up 93%.  Only 7% is what you say.  So learn to say things nicely.

Second: Listen more than you talk.  When in doubt, be quiet.  Just listen to her.   You don’t have to say anything. Nod your head and actually listen.

All of these first time dad tips will hopefully help you survive the pregnancy.  Fatherhood is an amazing journey.  Be sure to enjoy the journey.  I’d love to hear from you.  What is something difficult that you are facing during the pregnancy? Leave your feedback in the comments below.