A father’s care and love contribute as much to a child’s health, happiness, emotional security and academic success as mom’s love does. In fact, in some areas, a father’s impact is greater. No one else can do what dad can.
Studies show that children who have a consistent, positive involvement with their fathers (or father figure):
- Get along better with siblings and peers
- Are better problem solvers
- Have more initiative and communicate more effectively
- Are more likely to have success in school and career
- Are less likely to become involved in harmful behaviors such as substance misuse or criminal activity.
Ways fathers/father figures can be involved in pregnancy
☛Go with your partner to her prenatal visits
- Get to know her health care, providers
- Learn what’s happening with your partner and baby
- Ask questions
☛Feel your baby moving.
☛Talk, read, and sing to your baby.
☛Watch, listen, and read to learn about pregnancy, childbirth, and becoming a parent.
☛Go to prenatal classes
- Increase your confidence by learning what to expect in labor
- Learn new techniques to help your partner
☛Encourage your partner to stay healthy during pregnancy
- Eat healthily
- Quit smoking
- Don’t drink alcohol
- Exercise
- Talk to her health care provider about drugs and herbal products
- Stay away from dangerous household products
- Get rest and lower her stress
☛Help plan for the baby
- Talk to your partner about what you both want for the baby
- Decide where the baby will sleep
- Make part of your home colorful and welcoming before your new baby arrives.
☛Continue to have sex if you and your partner wish
- Your partner may want to have more or less sex than before she was pregnant
- As her belly gets bigger, try different positions
- Talk to each other about what feels good
- As long as your healthcare provider says it’s okay, it is safe to have sex during pregnancy (it will not hurt the baby).
☛Support your partner’s decision to breastfeed.
☛Communicate, communicate, and communicate!!
- Share your concerns, values, beliefs, and joys.