Together with his partner, he learns how to breathe at birth. Because together they are expecting a baby. However, the man expects his offspring differently than the woman. While she soon shows the first signs of pregnancy, she is not very concrete for the expectant father for many weeks. Although he can put his hand on the woman’s stomach and feel the growing life. outdoor baby swing frames he has little to do with the physical changes of pregnancy.
Unless he belongs to the group of men whose fatherhood is reflected in weight gain, morning sickness or back pain. However, doctors and psychologists attribute such complaints to an exaggerated compassion for the pregnant partner – as well as to fears and insecurities that the man physically processes: the so-called Couvade syndrome.
For most men, pregnancy takes place mainly in the head: What should become of our travel plans? Will the money be enough? Can I be a good father? How do I reconcile work and family? “Quite normal,” say fathers who have already experienced this adventure.
Most men are initially hit like a blow when they learn of their impending paternity. “Goodbye freedom!” many think, and fear that it is difficult to cope with the new life situation.
What distinguishes men and women in the transition to parenthood?
It is more difficult for men to find their way into the role of a parent than for women. In fact, this often has to do with the fear of having to restrict oneself as a provider in his usual “male freedoms” and no longer being able to freely dispose of one’s own time. These feelings are usually more pronounced in men than in women, who also deal more concretely with the changes in everyday life in parallel to their physical changes.
In addition, many men feel helpless. Because they only learn everything about pregnancy through their partner. However, “baby-in-the-belly envy” does not mean that the man would rather carry the child himself. However, having a pregnant partner makes it clear to him that she can do something that will never be possible for him. An often new, but unconscious feeling.
Of course, the couple should enjoy the togetherness again during the nine months of pregnancy, and everyone should take time for personal interests. Nevertheless, man also wants to actively participate in the pregnancy.
How can he prepare for his role as a father and offspring?
Above all, he should deal with his attitudes and fears. It helps many to talk about it with friends and men from their circle of acquaintances. Maybe they are in the same situation or can talk about their experiences. But the man should also keep reminding himself of the positive feelings of becoming a father towards his worries.
He should discuss the upcoming changes with his partner in good time – financially, in the couple relationship or in leisure activities. A concrete plan on these points clears the mind and makes room for anticipation. For men, this grows all the more if they can do something: buy strollers, get Maxicosi, set up baby rooms and fill the shelves with diapers and rompers.
In addition, when the new family member arrives, the young father should also know about infant care and the needs of the little worm: a number of books, videos or CD-Roms on these topics are even aimed specifically at expectant fathers.
Until the 80s, men were not welcome in the circle room. That is different today. Most expectant fathers today are committed to the upcoming birth from the very beginning.
What can you recommend to them in terms of birth preparation course and childbirth?
I can only advise expectant fathers to participate in the choice of the birth preparation course: Today, courses are often offered that not only prepare couples for the birth together, but also respond separately to questions and concerns of fathers. If group work takes place without partners during the course of the course, experience has shown that it is easier for men to talk about the ups and downs of becoming a father.
If they have found a good connection to each other there, they should also use the contacts beyond the course and the birth to meet – with or without offspring – and to exchange ideas about babies, relationships or professions.
Being present at the birth itself is then a matter of honor for men. However, the self-evident way in which one receives the father today in the circle room is often perceived as the norm. If a man fears that he will not be able to cope with the birth situation, it is important to take these concerns seriously and to communicate them to the partner. Because a half-heartedly promised or poorly prepared birth support is not helpful for anyone.
Talk to the midwife, get to know the clinic and inform yourself about the media help with the preparation. At best, a man can ask a new father from his circle of acquaintances in advance about his experiences during childbirth need weight limit baby swing. However, every birth is different. So no one can predict what He has to do in the circle room. However, the father can be sure: it will be an incomparable experience in which it counts – also for the partner – that man was there.
