.:: Relax Dad, Take It Easy!! ::.

Hye hye!!! long long time i never touch this blogspot.....hmmm...had feeling to write something but always been distracted with other things...(just a reason of my lazziness actually! ahaks), okay, today i just re-type an article that i read from Positive Parenting magazine (got a complimentary copy from my ward)....this article may be important to all the fathers-to-be or already a father and currently is waiting to have more kids...hehe...seems lots of my friends are excitedly waiting for their time to be a father, i think by reading this article can help u to prepare urselves.....happy reading!

Originally writen by Dr. H. Krishna Kumar,
Consultant and Head of Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
An educational collaboration of O&G Society of Malaysia.

As a new dad, you may feel unprepared for the arrival of your baby. The following tips are intended to help you minimise the pre-baby jitters in order to get through it with the minimum amount of fuss.

TIPS FOR FATHERS-TO-BE :

1. Keep yourself in the loop.
Active participation with your wife's pre-natal check ups keep you updated with her pregnancy progress
and helps connect you with each other.

2. Be attentive to the 'new' mother.
Not every pregnancy is the same, so be sensitive to your wife's needs and moods. Keep in mind that she
might be having trouble adjusting to her "new" self too, so endure these changes in whatever way that works best for the both of you. Make sure you discuss how you can help throughout her pregnancy and delivery.

3. Discuss your concerns.
You do not need to look very far for support, talk to your wife about anything that you are worried about.
You may also want to discuss your anxiety with other experinced dads. Do no b afraid to ask any questions if you have doubt.

4. Take care of your health.
You will need to handle many new challenges, you baby's delivery, mother and baby's home-coming, and post-partum care for your wife. That is not including the time you'll need to spend caring for your child as he or she grows up. So, it's in everyone's interest for you to stay healthy. Start eating right and make sure you get enough exercise and rest.

5. Support each other.
Parenting should be handled together, so you will need to be mutually supportive of each other. Try to hlp out your wife as much as you can, and above all, be sure to communicate your expectations with each other.

6. Take time to discuss money matters.
If possible, discuss financial issues and negotiate each other's roles in parenting beforehand, preferably before your baby arrives, in order to avoid stress or conflicts later.

7. Spend quality time together.
Pregnancy can bring you closer, so make the most of this opportunity by talking with each other about your feelings, insecurities, worries, joys, and everything else you want to share. You will need to support each other so take advantage of this special time to bond and strengthen your relationship.

The last thing to remember is ---> embrace your fatherhood with a positive outlook as you are about to embark upon the most exciting and rewarding experience of your life.