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Research the basics -

So, you're a first-time expectant father. This makes you one half of the pregnancy and birth experience. Start preparing to be a dad by researching your role. Read books and blogs or listen to podcasts for father-to-be tips. There's a wealth of info out there discussing early parenting and things to consider to help manage the arrival of your newborn.

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Discuss parenting with your partner -

Immerse yourself in the pregnancy experience. Talk with your partner about the role you're about to play. Be present, observe, engage, and nurture. It's all about identifying your responsibilities at birthing time, and what kind of parents you plan to be.

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Work as couple -

It's important to enjoy learning about the process of becoming a dad. This is why working with your partner is vital. You both need to be on the same page when discussing things like delivery options and birth plans, and even how to hold and feed a baby. Bonding like this with your partner will help you forge a deeper relationship with your soon-to-be-born child.

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Talk to your child -

Did you know that a fetus can start to hear around 16 to 18 weeks in utero, and by 27 to 30 weeks they can respond to voices? So why not embrace that baby bump and introduce yourself?

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Don't make comparisons -

It's a mistake to compare yourself with your partner when preparing for fatherhood. Your other half may instinctively be more in tune with what's required, but this doesn't mean you don't have an equally important and dynamic role to play.

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Stay healthy -

With a newborn, the way you spend your time and energy will change. If you're not already doing so, it's a good idea to start taking care of yourself. Eating properly is paramount. Add some fiber-rich and immune-boosting foods to your meals. Ease up on alcohol, and if you smoke, quit!

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Exercise regularly -

Your physical well-being extends to exercising regularly to build up stamina. Self-care in the early days of parenthood helps you prepare for the busy days (and nights) ahead. Remember: caring for yourself is a form of caring for your child.

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Get enough sleep -

Sleep is a precious commodity and getting enough of it is crucial in allowing your body and mind the opportunity to recharge. It's an unfortunate fact that fatherhood brings with it a fair share of sleepless nights, so enjoy the luxury while it lasts.

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Psych up mentally -

Develop ways of managing mental and emotional stress. The early days of parenting, while exciting and stimulating, will nevertheless be challenging. Ready yourself psychologically by adopting some personal home-time routines, yoga for example, or listening to music.

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Need help and guidance? -

If all this is starting to sound a little daunting, consider working with a therapist or lifestyle coach to overcome any misgivings you may be harboring. This is especially pertinent if your own childhood was traumatic or complicated, or your relationship with your father was less than ideal.

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Seek out fellow dads -

Another way to deal with encroaching fatherhood is to find fellow dads. They've been there, seen it, and done it, and are familiar with the ups and downs of being a parent. Chat man-to-man so to speak, and let them share their experiences.

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Division of labor -

As your partner's pregnancy develops, you'll both need to plan the division of labor. Responsibilities can still be shared, but the onus will be on you to step up in the home if your partner is busy, tired, or under doctor's orders about what they should and shouldn't be doing. Indeed, the balance of household roles may well be reversed, so be prepared to roll up your sleeves and take the initiative.

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Tasks at hand -

It's a given that laborious tasks like cleaning and maintaining the home will fall on your shoulders. Better get used to ironing and cooking, too.

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Crunching childcare numbers -

So much for the practical aspects of impending fatherhood. Time to figure out the finances. There's no doubt that welcoming a newborn into the family is an expensive lifestyle choice. It makes sense, therefore, to crunch the numbers and design a game plan for approaching all the financial and legal things to do before baby is born.

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Working out the family budget -

This responsibility goes hand in hand with working out the family budget to make sure you financially navigate your parenting journey. Consolidate any debt and consider carefully the costs of childcare.

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Legal responsibilities -

In addition, you may want to consider healthcare and insurance changes, and remember to factor in potential hospital and postnatal care expenses. A medical power of attorney for the child may also be worth drawing up.

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Readying the baby room -

One you've agreed on a budget, it's time to prep the baby's nursery. Essential furniture includes a crib and a changing table. Be sure the room is free of paint fumes before baby arrives.

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Babyproof the house -

Safety is paramount when preparing to welcome a newborn into your home. In fact, childproofing your property is essential in keeping youngsters safe from hidden dangers. Power outlet covers, cabinet and drawer locks, and baby safety gates are just some of the devices available to secure a house or apartment.

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Shopping for infant wear -

One of the great joys for expectant parents is shopping for baby gear. Make a list of essentials and make a day of it with your partner.

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Baby car seat -

If you have a vehicle, one item you must buy is a car seat for infants. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's installation instructions. And while you're at it, it's worth giving the vehicle a thorough road-worthiness check.

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First aid kit -

As part of your parenting skillsets, learn how to administer first aid to your baby. In the event of an emergency, this knowledge could save your child's life. A first aid baby kit is a useful item to have in the house. Make sure the pack includes a baby thermometer, bandages, antiseptic wipes and fluids, and pain medication suitable for infants. If in doubt, check contents with your doctor.

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Diapers and swaddles -

Guys, there's no getting away from this one. Your fatherhood duties will extend to changing diapers on a regular basis. First-time dads should also be capable of making a swaddle—the age-old practice of wrapping infants with a blanket snugly around their body. Practice both techniques well in advance of birthtime.

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Future childcare plans -

While this may seem like jumping the gun, it's always worth checking out local childcare facilities. Research spaces online and try to obtain word-of-mouth recommendations to identity the most popular, professional, and appropriate options.

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Wind down the work cycle -

If you're a busy man, you'll need to wrap up any outstanding projects before birthtime. Wherever possible, delegate pending jobs to others.

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Managing a work-life balance -

Give everyone advanced notice that you'll be taking a break from your job. This is not only a courteous gesture, but helps in managing a work-life balance. Check if as a new father you're eligible for parental leave.

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Organize a baby shower -

Baby showers are traditionally a woman's realm but, hey, buck the trend by organizing one yourself. On the other hand, you might want to throw a dadchelor party—a baby shower exclusively for men.

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Ready, steady, go -

You're probably already feeling stressed out with the idea of becoming a dad, so it's important to make your life as easygoing as possible. One way of achieving this is to prep a few ready meals that you can heat and eat when you're feeling tired and hungry. Later, cook up batches of your favorite foods and store in the freezer. That way both you and your partner will have a nutritious meal at hand in minutes.

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Sex life on hold -

Sex during pregnancy is OK. But expect a change in your sex life after the baby is born. Acknowledging this reality will take time and a lot of understanding: physical healing after labor and delivery can take up to six weeks, but quite often the emotional upheaval for a woman is such that becoming intimate again usually takes a lot longer.

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Beware the postpartum period -

And speaking of emotional turmoil, don't underestimate the effects of the postpartum period—the "baby blues." Generally considered a depressive condition that only affects women, men too can suffer what's known as paternal postnatal depression (PPND).

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Don't neglect romance -

Through it all, don't let pregnancy, childbirth, and the fact that you're going to be a dad get in the way of romance. Becoming a father for the first time is an amazing experience, and something that embodies love, romance, and intimacy.

Sources: (Cleveland Clinic) (MomJunction)(National Institutes of Health)

See also: Have you got what it takes to be a man? 

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