Dad matters.

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Dad's Biggest Fears

Will I do everything right?
Will I be able to provide for my family?
Will everything be centered around the baby?
Will my wife stop having sex with me?
Will I be forced to "grow up"?
Will I be able to sleep in?
Will the baby be healthy?
Will I be as good of a father as I had?
Will I be a good father despite not having a role model?
Will I be able to soothe the baby?
Will the baby affect my career?
Will my wife return to work?

The essential answer to all of these is that with preparation, information, communication, and partnership, you and your family will be just fine. If you are having any challenges, we can help.

How Dad Can Help

We subscribe to the old adage that if Mommy is happy, everybody is happy. During the pregnancy, dads can help to create the healthy and happy space that is important to the baby's growth and development, in the following ways:

1. Be nice
2. Ask about her day... and night
3. Encourage her to eat well and exercise
4. Give her foot and belly massages
5. Treat her to professional massages & pedis
6. Pretend to be interested in "baby stuff"
7. Escort her to appointments
8. Help with the chores, errands, and kids
9. Remind her that she is beautiful
10. Thank her for carrying your child

These simple reminders will increase mom's wellness, decrease her anxiety, and make her fall in love with you all over again.

Daddy Duty from It's Only Natural

How We Help Dad

Men process stress completely differently than women. While a new mother may be soaking in her own puddle of tears, a new father may suddenly throw himself into work, or begin spending more time with friends, as a way to cope with the impending changes. Many times, this is simply because the new father feels out of place, useless, uncertain, or overwhelmed. We help to address and alleviate these concerns through our educational offerings so that our new dads can be strong and confident leaders in their home.  

Through our in-home, family-centered childbirth education and breastfeeding classes, we can help dad to understand what he may expect throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. We can address fears, myths, doubts, help to establish realistic expectations, and establish attainable goals. 

Once the baby has arrived home, our postpartum doula support can help the entire family transition into their new world, helping to alleviate many of the common stressors and fears that many fathers experience.