Hey future daddy, are you prepared for what’s coming?
Buckle up because pregnancy and labor are filled with unexpected cravings, emotional rollercoasters, and sleepless nights, but also some of the most rewarding moments of your life.
Being a supportive partner is not just about showing up in the delivery room; it’s about being present every step of the way – from morning sickness to those first precious moments with your newborn.
This New Dad Survival Guide is packed with practical tips for new dads to help you navigate pregnancy, labor, and beyond.
Follow this guide, and you’ll be the MVP of your growing family.
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Be Up for the Challenge
Pregnancy isn’t just about physical changes – it’s an emotional and mental transformation as well. Your partner is growing a tiny human, and that comes with a lot of challenges.
Your role? Be her rock. She will experience:
- Morning sickness (which, ironically, isn’t limited to mornings)
- Mood swings that make a telenovela seem tame
- Extreme exhaustion as her body works overtime
- Unexpected food cravings and strong aversions (Understanding your partner’s pregnancy cravings and aversions is THE challenge)
She’s not making this up – these changes are completely real and completely normal. The best thing you can do? Listen, be patient, and show empathy.
If you want to go the extra mile, educate yourself about pregnancy symptoms so you can anticipate her needs.
Become her Snack Provider
Pregnancy cravings (and aversions) are unpredictable, and your best approach is to go with the flow. One day, she’s craving a cheeseburger with peanut butter, and the next, the smell of toast makes her queasy.
Snacks. Snacks everywhere. Stock up on crackers, Cheetos, and whatever else your partner craves at odd hours of the day.
Be mindful of strong-smelling foods, as even her favorite dish might suddenly become unbearable. Flexibility is key – what she loved yesterday might completely repulse her today.
Want to be a next-level supportive partner? Cook meals that match her cravings, or surprise her with a late-night snack run.
Just remember, a happy belly means a happy mommy-to-be and fewer hangry outbursts for you to dodge.
Hold on Tight
Pregnancy hormones are like a rollercoaster ride – one minute you’re soaring high on cloud nine, the next you’re plummeting into the depths of despair.
Pregnancy hormones hit hard – and when they do, you need to stay calm and supportive. One minute she’s laughing, the next she’s crying over a dog food commercial. It’s not personal.
Here’s how to help:
- Listen without trying to fix everything. Sometimes, she just wants to vent.
- Validate her feelings. “I get why that’s frustrating” goes a long way.
- Give her space if she needs it. If she’s irritated, don’t take it to heart.
- A little patience and reassurance go a long way. She’s going through a lot – be her safe place.
Get Involved
You might not be the one carrying the baby, but you can still be actively involved.
Attending prenatal checkups shows your partner that you’re committed to this journey together.
These appointments give you the chance to hear your baby’s heartbeat (a life-changing moment), ask the doctor questions to better understand what’s happening, and most importantly, reassure your partner that you’re in this together.
Even if you can’t make every appointment, staying engaged by asking how things went, discussing test results, and celebrating milestones will make a big difference in showing your support.
Keep a notes app handy to remember the next appointment or important medical advice – trust me, she’ll appreciate it!
If you ever feel overwhelmed by medical jargon, you can check out my post ABC Guide to Childbirth to help you understand the key terms.
Support Her Choice
One of the most important ways you can support your partner during labor is by respecting her choices.
To epidural or not to epidural – that is the question. And guess what? You don’t get to answer it. While you might have your own thoughts on what “seems best,” remember that It’s her body, you’re just along for the ride.
That means zero unsolicited advice, zero debates, and a whole lot of nodding and supporting.
But pain relief is just the beginning.
She might be considering a water birth (yes, like a mermaid), hypnobirthing (think Jedi mind tricks for labor), or even an all-natural, no-medication experience (aka superhero mode). Maybe she’s team planned C-section or prefers a birthing center over a hospital.
Whatever she decides, your role is simple: smile, agree, and fetch the ice chips.
Labor Day: Your Moment to Shine
When labor begins, your role shifts from a supportive partner to full-on birth coach, emotional anchor, and snack-fetcher extraordinaire.
She’s about to go through one of the most intense experiences of her life, and your job is to stay calm, be useful, and definitely not pass out.
Hold her hand (but be prepared for her to crush it), rub her back, and remind her that she’s a superhero.
If she needs something from the doctor or nurses, speak up – she’s a little busy. Whether she sticks to her birth plan or suddenly changes her mind about that epidural, go with the flow and respect her decision.
Labor is a marathon, not a sprint, so bring snacks, water, a phone charger, and maybe even a spare shirt – you never know what fluids might come your way.
Welcome to Fatherhood
Parenthood is a team effort – be an equal partner from day one.
Get ready to show off your mad diaper-changing skills. It’s a messy job, but someone’s gotta do it – and that someone is you, daddy. Embrace the challenge, don your superhero cape, and tackle those dirty diapers like a boss.
Say goodbye to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep. At least for the foreseeable future. Strap on your caffeine IV drip, because you’re about to enter the world of sleepless nights and midnight feedings.
But hey, who needs sleep when you’ve got a cute little one to cuddle?
Between the chaos of diaper duty and figuring out how to swaddle like a pro, don’t forget to capture those first precious moments. You’ll want to remember every tiny yawn, every sleepy snuggle, and of course, that hilarious first bath face. Check out this guide on Baby Photos You Must Take to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Be Her Postpartum Rock
Your partner’s recovery doesn’t end when the baby arrives. Postpartum is a vulnerable time, and she’ll need you more than ever.
- Help with household chores. Don’t wait for her to ask – just do it.
- Encourage her to rest. She just birthed a human – she needs time to heal.
- Watch for signs of postpartum depression. If she’s struggling emotionally, be there for her and encourage her to seek support.
The best gift you can give her? Unwavering love and support.
Cherish the Sweet Moments
Amidst the chaos and craziness, don’t forget to savor the sweet moments of parenthood.
From baby giggles to sleepy snuggles, these are the moments that make it all worthwhile.
Soak it all in. Parenthood is one wild and wonderful adventure – and you’re in it together.
Being a supportive partner during pregnancy and labor is equal parts comedy and chaos.
Embrace the madness, laugh in the face of adversity, and remember that love, and a well-stocked snack stash – conquers all.
You’ve got this, partner-in-crime.
Love,
Shely
