Don’t worry, be excited!
If you’re worrying about being a good dad then you probably will be – because you care. No one knows how to be a dad or mum until they become one. So don’t worry about worrying. Instead, find out as much as you can about what’s likely to happen, share your fears if it helps, and relax. You have an amazing, exciting time ahead of you!
Antenatal classes
Before your baby is born, you and your partner can attend antenatal classes. They’ll give you an idea of what will happen at the birth, and cover things like holding and bathing your baby. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and chat to other nervous dads!
Read up about it
They say forewarned is forearmed, so arm yourself with plenty of knowledge! There are loads of good books and websites about pregnancy – some even written by dads. When you take the mystery out of pregnancy, birth and fatherhood, it suddenly seems much less scary!
Talk to your partner
You know what they say – a problem shared is a problem halved! Let your partner know how you’re feeling. You might be surprised at how much faith she has in you.
She’ll probably feel relieved that you’ve shared your feelings with her, and may even confide that she has days when she feels a bit unsure too!
If you have friends or family who are dads, ask them how they felt. It can be very reassuring to find out your feelings are completely normal, and that they’ll pass in time. They’ll probably have some good advice for you too.