bookmark Print
ARE YOU AN EXPECTANT FATHER?img01

Congratulations


You are either about to become a father or have recently become one. Do you want to be the best father you can? Of course you do. 



Old school, a father’s job would be to make sure that he earned enough for his family and played with his children at weekends. That has changed, and you probably expect yourself to be a much more involved father. Most young fathers also want to change nappies, feed, bath, play with their children and be there at bedtimes. 

There are some people who think young fathers are not mature or responsible enough, but it doesn’t matter how old you are, it is what you do that matters. 

This site aims to give you the information you need to be a great dad, it also aims to get you thinking about your new role and responsibilities. A baby changes your life dramatically and all new fathers find they have to rethink their lives. 



Most pregnancies are not planned, which means that most new parents have to get used to the idea of becoming a parent during the pregnancy. Fathers have to work a little harder at this because of course the mother is reminded everyday. The more used to the idea you are, the more prepared you will be. 

To help yourself prepare, talk to your partner, talk to other fathers, ask your mum, grandmum, aunty, anyone who you think will help you prepare to become a father. 

Nearly all expectant fathers go with their partners for the first appointment and the scan (where you get to see pictures of your baby), but there are also courses on offer at the hospital where you can prepare for the birth, and have a good look around the delivery room. Some fathers are put off because there are always more mothers than fathers, but these courses will give you a lot of information and insights into what is in store. 

The more you prepare yourself, the easier it will be when the baby is born. Some fathers suggest spending time with relatives and their babies, learning to change nappies, how to feed, and bath. Play often comes naturally, but other things have to be learnt. 

Pregnancy brings a range of changes for your partner, hormonal changes may lead to worry, mood swings and later tiredness and sometimes exhaustion. Fathers usually say that it is best to remember that these pass and for them to remain supportive is the most important thing to do.

[[Download this page as a PDF]]
  bookmark Print