Take action before your baby is born

If your partner is still pregnant, ease any anxiety by actively preparing for fatherhood. As a new dad, you can:

• Get involved. During pregnancy, men don't experience the same daily reminders that they're about to become parents as do women. Placing your hand on your partner's belly to feel the baby kick, attending prenatal visits and talking about the pregnancy with others can help you feel involved. You can also talk, read or sing near your partner's belly so that your baby will recognize your voice after birth.
• Attend prenatal classes. Prenatal classes can help you and your partner find out what to expect during labor and delivery, as well as learn how to take care of a newborn.
• Consult a financial planner. Talking to a financial planner can help you determine ways to handle the cost of having a baby.
• Build a network of social support. During pregnancy, your partner might get support from health care providers, loved ones and friends. It's important for men to have a support network during this time, too. Seek out friends and loved ones who can give you advice and encouragement as you prepare to become a father.
• Talk to your partner. Talk about how your daily lives and relationship might change — for better and for worse — once the baby is born.
• Consider what kind of father you want to be. Think about your own father. Consider what aspects of that relationship you might want to emulate with your own child and what you might do differently.