An expectant father may find himself in the unique situation of wanting to be a supportive partner to his pregnant wife, but having no idea where to begin.
Greg Bishop, founder of Boot Camp for New Dads, explains that there are many easy ways to show you care.
"Every mom-to-be will experience a unique rollercoaster of physical and emotional changes," Bishop says. "During pregnancy, dads tend to serve as the punching bag for all moms’ frustrations."
A dad’s support can be invaluable for a mom that is suffering everything from unusual food cravings to morning sickness, he suggests. Fathers can prepare by reading pregnancy books – or even taking the initiative to buy some of his own at the bookstore.
Communication is vital, Bishop emphasizes. Sharing each other’s hopes, thoughts and worries will help both mom and dad prepare to use their parenting skills in the future.
To really be a star husband, fathers-to-be can think of unique ways to show they care, such as purchasing her favorite flavor of ice cream or painting the nursery unprompted, Bishop advises.
There are around 26.4 million fathers living in married-couple families, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
