Perks for Proactive Papas-to-Be
At last, all that “work” trying to conceive a child has paid off. You and the woman in your life are expecting. As the male half of this baby-making partnership, it’s important that you revel in the glory of pending fatherhood. Go ahead, dust off one of your old break-dancing moves. Call your friends and family, and break them the news by singing a verse of Paul Anka’s “Having My Baby.” Pop a bottle of bubbly (and be sure to have some sparkling cider on hand for your lady, who will be sticking to non-alcoholic beverages now that there’s a baby onboard).
But once the celebration winds down, it’s time for expectant dads to get down to the serious business of preparing for one of life’s biggest undertakings: parenthood. Your responsibilities haven’t ended with insemination. In fact, they have only just begun. Remember, this is a partnership between you and your lady. The title “expectant” means much more than will be expected of you, not only during the three trimesters of pregnancy, but well beyond.
Pregnancy isn’t easy on a woman, given all the changes she’s confronting, physical, emotional and otherwise. What your pregnant partner needs is a man who’s ready to stand tall and embrace the new responsibilities of expectant fatherhood, not a guy she has to coax out of the fetal position merely to choose a color scheme for the nursery, assemble a crib or deliver a foot massage.
Guys, with a baby on the way, it’s time to step up and fulfill your destiny as the best prepared papa-to-be on the block, a full-fledged partner in this three-trimester adventure. Your job description now includes a host of baby-related businesses like getting your home ready, buying the right equipment, participating in pregnancy- and baby-related discussions and decisions with the mom-to-be, and being on call for what will seem like an endless procession of doctor’s visits. By doing so, you’ll be freeing your pregnant partner to focus on the primary tasks at hand: nurturing a healthy fetus through to term and delivering a healthy baby as quickly and painlessly as possible.
- Perk #1
The goodwill you show toward the expectant mom during pregnancy should make her more open to your requests, more willing to fulfill your needs and generally more understanding of the male perspective. Women have long memories. Your words and deeds of support during pregnancy should translate into many long-term benefits. - Perk #2
Females who hear of your exploits and prowess during pregnancy will eye you with newfound respect and deem you more evolved than other men they know. Women thus will begin referring to you as “quite a catch.” - Perk #3
You’ll gain an edge over your male peers, exuding an unspoken but clear sense of superiority that comes from the knowledge that you can outperform other men when it comes to the finer points of being a responsible and proactive expectant parent. - Perk #4
Your status as a proactive expectant father brings you good karma. A lucrative bonus may unexpectedly come your way at work. Your golf handicap may drop. The bald spot on the top of your head may inexplicably begin to grow hair again. You could develop an uncanny ability to locate empty parking spaces quickly. - Perk #5
Your newfound skills as a highly competent parent-to-be will be a source of personal pride, a true accomplishment and a demonstration of your mental acuity, perseverance and ability to perform under pressure. You are a true achiever. - Perk #6
Some perks you may not necessarily clamor for, but doing what it takes to be a responsible dad-to-be is apt to get you noticed. Even your in-laws will view you as a superstar. Always wanted to be the apple of your mother-in-law’s eye or hear your father-in law use the phrase, “Why can’t you be more like (insert your name here)?” Here’s your chance to shine. - Perk #7
You become the alpha male, the Pied Piper of expectant fathers, a Yoda-like figure to whom your buddies turn for sage advice and insight about all things pregnancy- and fatherhood-related. - Perk #8
You gain full partnership in pregnancy. Sure, you’ll need to share in the extra work and angst associated with prenatal preparations. But you’ll also share more in the rewards, gaining an emotional stake in the health of your baby and family, plus more intimacy with your partner. - Perk #9
You and your woman will find new common ground, debating the relative merits of various parenting strategies, discussing potential interior decorating motifs for the nursery, maybe even going to the spa together for some yoga and a waxing.
So go now, intrepid dad-in-waiting. It is time to conquer your fears, bury your bad habits and venture forward to embrace your destiny as a partner and parent who does the male species proud.
