The Father

Controlling Your Own Fears and Anxieties as a Father-To-Be

The very first thing you must do as a father-to-be is realize that every father-to-be has been in your shoes. They all have the same fears such as will I be a good dad, can I support my family, will by wife and baby be okay during delivery, will the baby be healthy, how do I care for a new baby, and so on and so forth.

Remember, your partner is also going through some of the very same questions, her body and emotions are changing on a daily basis and she also has fears. The first person you should talk with is your partner. There is nothing wrong with parents worrying about these things: all parents do.

Let your partner know how you feel and also listen to her. This can be a great bonding time for both of you as your prepare to become parents.

Get involved. Go to her doctor appointments, help around the house, join a childbirth class together, help her with exercising, etc… The more you are involved and know what is going on the less your fears will be concerning a healthy baby and partner.

Do your homework, read about how a baby grows and develops, learn all you can about childbirth, what will happen during labor and delivery and talk with other dads. They are normally very excited to let you know about their experiences about becoming a new father.

A childbirth class may be one of the best ways for a first time father-to-be to rid himself of many of his fears, maybe not the financial ones but most of the others. If you learn all you can about the entire process of pregnancy, how you can help your partner, what is expected of you as coach and even how to diaper the little one after he is at home, you will feel more comfortable about becoming a new father.

Learn from others, if you know someone that you think is a great father; try to remember the things he does that you think make him great. On the other hand, if you know a lousy father, try to see what it is that makes you feel that way. Now use the good qualities and discard the bad ones.

Remember, you will be a great father and education is the key to ridding yourself of many of the fears and anxieties of being a father-to-be.