I’d like to welcome you to ‘The Girl Dad Chronicles’, a series of posts that I hope will help some of you soon-to-be dads out there that are looking for a helping hand in what to expect when becoming a father and some tips along the way, beginning with 10 ways to prepare for fatherhood. Although becoming a father is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, I understand the overwhelming feeling of ‘AM I READY FOR THIS?!’ all too well my friends, and thats whether you are expecting your first or adding to your growing family. But I promise, when the time arrives it will come to you naturally. However, their is nothing wrong with a little preparation before this bundle of joy enters your life, so here is 10 ways you can prepare for fatherhood!
The Girl Dad Chronicles
1. Communicate with Your Partner
Guys… When it comes to the pregnancy and birth, your partner has to go through a lot to say the least. Therefore, it is crucial that you both communicate as you transition into parenthood. It’s important that you are open and discuss expectations, fears and anything else that may be on your mind as coparents so you can be that rock and help support them. This will only help strengthen your relationship and stay united as you face the new challenges ahead.
2. educate yourself TO PREPARE FOR fatherhood & BIRTH
Becoming a dad involves a lot more that just changing nappies and sleepless nights. It’s important to equip yourself with the right knowledge so that you have an understanding of what to expect during the pregnancy and eventually birth. It’s easy to feel helpless during these times whilst your partner is going through it, but educating yourself with the right fatherhood tips will help you to help them when they most need it! A great tool I used was DadPad, an NHS developed guide for new dads. Click the button below to go straight there.
3. GET INVOLVED IN THE PREGNANCY
Don’t be a bystander during the pregnancy – be actively involved. It’s the dad’s role in pregnancy to attend any prenatal appointments, join in on the baby shopping, and participate in any classes. This involvement will help you bond with your baby early doors, but it also supports your partner.
4. PREPARE FOR FATHERHOOD EMOTIONALLY
The emotional rollercoaster of fatherhood is CRAZY! From excitement to anxiety and everything in between, therefore it is essential that you prepare for fatherhood emotionally. I found talking to other dads and seeking advice form friends really helped. Just remember it’s okay to have doubts and concerns – what matters is how handle them.
5. CREATE A SUPPORT SYSTEM
Having a strong support system is vital to prepare for fatherhood. My wife Becci and I are very lucky to be surrounded with family and friends, a lot of which are also dads who can offer advice and support. If you can do the same or even join online communities and local fatherhood support groups where you can share experiences and seek guidance, it will help tremendously!
6. PLAN YOUR FINANCES
I have first hand experience of how a baby can burn a hole in your pocket… believe me. So it is essential to get your finances in order whether thats creating a budget, saving for unexpected expenses and reviewing your insurance policies. Becci & I were buying things we knew we would need way in advance so that we could spread the cost over a longer period of time rather than it coming all at once. There is nothing wrong with utilising tools like Vinted & Facebook Marketplace to get second hand clothes, they grow out of them that quickly you’ll wish you did anyway. Planning your finances now will help reduce stress later and ensure you’re ready to provide for your growing family.
7. SET UP THE NURSERY
Preparing a space for your baby is one of the fun parts of getting ready for fatherhood. Whether you’re creating a full nursery or a simple corner in your bedroom, make sure it’s a safe, comfortable environment for your baby. Get the baby room essentials like a crib, changing table, and baby monitor ready before the big day arrives.
8. TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH
If you didn’t before, its important now more than ever that you start to take care of yourself so you can be there for your baby. Fatherhood requires energy and stamina, so it’s essential to take care of your physical health. Start by eating a balanced diet (batch cook to make you life easier for the first few weeks), exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. The healthier you are, the better equipped you’ll be to handle the demands of a newborn and prepare for fatherhood.
9. PREPARE FOR FATHERHOOD BY LEARNING BASIC BABY CARE SKILLS
For the entire pregnancy, Becci & I spent hours watching different videos on youtube trying to learn and understand all the baby care skills that you require as a parent. Mastering basic baby care skills before your baby arrives can boost your confidence. Learn how to change a nappy, feed a baby, and soothe a crying infant. Practice these skills ahead of time so you’re not overwhelmed when the baby arrives.
10. PREPARE FOR FATHERHOOD - THE UNEXPECTED
No matter how much you plan, fatherhood will bring surprises. Becci had been diagnosed with gestational diabetes very late in the pregnancy so she ended up having to go in for an emergency C-Section at week 38 instead of the water birth we were hoping for a day after we received the call. Be flexible and ready to adapt to changing circumstances. The ability to go with the flow and adjust your expectations will make the transition to fatherhood smoother and more enjoyable.
CONCLUSION: EMBRACE YOUR JOURNEY
Preparing for fatherhood is a mix of practical planning, emotional readiness and a little bit of winging it. But by educating yourself, getting involved, and creating a strong support system, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the best dad you can be. Remember, all of our journey’s are unique, so embrace your experience and enjoy every moment of this life-changing adventure.
I hope that you have been able to relate to this post and I would love to hear your thoughts and other things to consider for fatherhood. So, please leave a comment below, follow me on social media and if you want to read more Girl Dad Chronicles content, click here for more upcoming posts.
Love this! Fatherhood is such a challenge. Despite all the frustration and cluelessness, it is all completely worth it.
Would love to hear more about how you’re finding it all as she grows (will also be nice for her to read these when she’s grown as well!)