Pregnancy and childbirth are very special experiences. We are often so focused on the mother, her growing belly, and the little one that we sometimes lose sight of the father and all his emotions.
We spoke with one of our favorite dads to get some tips and hear his thoughts on the whole experience of becoming a father. We're sure you'll find them helpful too.
How did you feel when you found out you were going to be a father?
Amazingly calm. I somehow knew it would happen someday, and I'd always dreamed of having children. It came sooner than expected, but I wouldn't change a thing! Of course, there were a lot of emotions. One day I was excited, and the next I was anxious—I wondered if I'd be good at it. It's definitely an emotional rollercoaster from beginning to end.
What would you have liked to know before the birth?
How impressive women are. We all know that women are impressive, but it wasn't until I stood in the delivery room, watching in utter despair as a human being emerged from her, that I truly realized she is magical. I learned a whole new level of respect for her.
What advice would you give to a father-to-be?
Be patient and be present. Pregnancy is certainly not always easy. There will be days when you feel like you've lost a little piece of her, but she's still there. She's in the process of creating a human being, and she will come back. She's even more admirable than before. The beginning can be tough, but you'll get used to this new phase of life. Don't give up. Just be there.
What was the biggest challenge for you?
Well, from then on I had to share my wife. In the beginning, she was exhausted and completely occupied. It was hard not to take it personally when she didn't take the opportunity to spend time with me. It was a bit selfish of me, but I quickly learned that it was all part of the process. Making sure she was always well-rested and happy became a higher priority than ever. She still loves me; she's just trying to keep our little one alive and healthy, and the more I focused on that, the easier it became for us to grow in our relationship and into our new roles.
What do you like most about being a father?
Having a goal. You don't think about it much until you're holding that little person in your arms. It's a journey, a journey full of growth and constant change. To see your little one grow, to see your partner grow – it's simply indescribable. It's beautiful.
