Becoming a dad

Pregnancy​ is a major milestone for any family. Often, the focus and attention are on the mum to ensure her well-being and the baby’s development. However, the importance of dads cannot be underrated as they play a crucial role​ too. As the pillar of support for the family, it is important that you stay emotionally and physically healthy, so that you are able to manage the challenges when the baby arrives. 

Managing stress and anxiety 

With changes to come when your baby arrives, you may feel overwhelmed, have doubts about being a good dad, or be worried about the health of your wife and baby. Do not despair. Talk to friends and family, or even a counsellor. Get helplines from ​​the articl​e Services, Support groups and Helplines (Pregnancy). It will help you to see your anxiety in a different light and increase ​your confidence in managing them. Set aside short breaks for personal time: take a few minutes off each day for yourself by listening to music or getting some rest. Plan a little getaway with your wife while she can still travel. Do not let work and duties overwhelm you, learn to organise your schedule and set priorities for things you need to do first. 

Managing expectations from others 

Learn to be practical and be realistic about your expectations. Talk to your wife and family on the duties and responsibilities e.g. the household â€‹chores, care arrangement if there is another child, etc. to avoid unnecessary stress and pressure on each other as both of you are dealing with this transition at the same time. 

​​Juggling work and family â€‹

You may want to spend more time with your wife, or accompany her for antenatal appointments and classes. This can be challenging if your job does not allow much flexibility. Inform your boss of your wife’s pregnancy and negotiate with your boss for the possible need to take time-off or urgent leave. At the same time, speak to your wife and let her know that you might not be able to get off work at times to accompany her for antenatal appointments or classes. That way, you will not feel trapped in between and be frustrated. 

​​​​​Dealing with additional financial expenses 

Planning ahead in the area of finance is important, especially if you have a baby coming. The following are steps that will help you in your planning. Additionally, you can seek help from professionals to plan your finances. 

• ​​Know your baby expenses. Ask your doctor for a chart of estimated fees that you can expect to spend during each antenatal appointment and for the delivery. Compare the cost of the various delivery packages and discuss together how much you are willing to spend on the room. 

• Check your finances. Do a stock-take of what you have in the bank. Decide whether to seek help from a trusted family member, a friend or if you can afford a confinement lady. Having a money management plan will help you spend within your limits. 

• Track your monthly income and expenditure. From diapers to wet wipes and visits to the doctor, these expenses can add up to a hefty sum. Work out your c ombined income and expenditure. You and your wife may decide to contribute a small sum every month t o a “baby fund” for expensive purchases such as a car seat. 

• Set a goal. You may opt to cut out certain expenses such as having just one meal in a restaurant every month instead of your usual weekly treat. This is also a good time to relook some habits that may be draining your wallet. Spell out your goal and start working towards it! 

Preparing for the big day 

As the delivery date gets nearer, anxiety levels may get higher for some of you. In order to be well prepared, make a checklist of the things to bring​ and to do with your wife. If you are driving to the hospital, familiarise yourself with the different routes to the hospital in the event of a traffic jam. Keep important numbers in your phone or address book and have the necessary items in the car for your wife that would make her comfortable. 

Staying healthy 

A healthy lifestyle helps you de-stress, makes you feel positive, confident and builds up your energy and stamina as you keep up with the changes and challenges. Engaging in physical activity is a great outlet for coping with stress and to recharge yourself. Selecting healthier f​ood options, avoiding alcohol and being smoke-free​ not only benefits you, but also go a long way when it is your turn to teach your child healthy lifestyle practices. As children model after their parents, start building healthy lifestyle practices for your children. 

​Source: Daddy know-how