New dads, experienced dads
or becoming a dad?

 

Fathers are critically important to their children's well-being. Perhaps, like a lot of new dads, you...

• Don't think you're ready to be a dad?

• Are afraid you can't financially afford a baby?

• Are not sure you'll be able to provide and protect for your new family?

• Are afraid your relationship with your spouse and your friends will suffer?

• Are excited and yet cautious about entering fatherhood?

Here are some tips on how can you be part of your baby's life even before he or she is born:

 

Go with your partner to her prenatal visits:

• The doctor will need to know your medical history too.
• During the prenatal visit at the end of the first trimester you can hear the baby's heart beat.
• During the second trimester, you will be able to see your baby's head, arms, hands, legs and feet. You may even find out the sex of your baby.
• During a third- trimester prenatal visit, ask your doctor, midwife, or nurse about how you can help during labor and delivery.

Watch videotapes, listen to audio tapes, check out the internet, or read books about pregnancy, childbirth, and being a parent.

• There are great resources to get you started, you could visit the following web pages:

           www.fathersinc.org

           www.fathers.com

           www.lapas.org

           www.fathersrightsnys.com

• Ask your doctor, midwife or nurse; or your local hospital or clinic about childbirth classes for you and your partner.

• Call Community Cradle to find out about childbirth classes and parenting classes offered in the Capital Region, health insurance, childcare, infant care and literature. Call us at 518-426-1153 or e-mail us.

Help your partner stay healthy during pregnancy

•  Help her eat lots of different foods: whole grain breads, cereal, rice and pasta; skim milk or low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt; low -fat meat and chicken; and lost of fruits and vegetables are good choices.
• Quit smoking! if you smoke, you are blowing out "second hand smoke. " This smoke is not good for your partner and the baby. It can hurt the baby when it is still inside and after it is born. Also, pregnant women who smoke are more likely to have babies born to small and too soon. Now, is the time to quit! Get help from your doctor or call the Capital Region Tobacco free coalition. Click here for more information on how to quit smoking.
• Help your partner to stay away from alcohol. It is best for women not to drink during pregnancy, it can cause:

   

  • Birth defects and prematurity. Visit the March of Dimes web site to learn more.

   

  • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) which can lead to learning disabilities, motor skills delays, behavioral problems, and much more. Visit the following links for more detailed information:

  Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse

  FASlink

  Center for Disease Control and Prevention

• Help your partner to stay away form street drugs ( The links above contain information on this topic)
• Talk to your doctor about prescription drugs: "over -the -counter medicines" that you buy at the drug store can hurt your baby.
• Make sure your partner stays away from dangerous household products.
• Exercise during pregnancy: exercise is a great thing you can do together.
• Support your partner's choice of breastfeeding the baby: Breastmilk is the best food for your baby. It has everything that your baby needs to grow and be healthy.

Have a test for AIDS virus...for your baby's sake

• If you have the AIDS virus, you can pass it to your baby's mother:
  • During Sex
  • or by needle sharing
  • She can pass it to your baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding
• A simple blood test can tell if you have the virus
• Most infected people have no symptoms
• The AIDS test is confidential and free at health department clinics
• If you have the virus; your  baby's mother and your baby should be tested, so you can all get early treatment to fight the virus.
• For more information, ask your doctor or call 1-800-541-AIDS

Paternal Exposure and Pregnancy: This information will help you determine if paternal exposures during pregnancy represent an increased fetal risk. With every pregnancy, all women have a 3 to 5 percent chance to have a baby with a birth defect.

Suggestions for dad to make mom more comfortable
Suggestions for dads to make baby more comfortable
Suggestion for dad to make himself more comfortable

* Content based on Becoming a Dad? This is for you. March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, 2001

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