11. Fatherhood

Use this outline to guide your study and reading. You should know the concepts outlined.  Tip: Write down or type up your understanding of everything outlined for your own records.

Objectives:

  • Identify resources to support expecting fathers
  • Explain emotional and physical adjustments of expecting fathers
  • Develop strategies to assist fathers in bonding with baby

Study

Read Chapter 3, “A Note to Expectant Fathers”, page 54 in the book – Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn

The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips, and Advice for Dads-to-Be by Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash

Resources

A. Concerns

  1. Dad’s Health
  2. Dad’s Nutrition
  3. Changes to mother’s body
  4. Managing mother’s emotions
  5. Sexual Relationship

B. Transition to Fatherhood

  1. Emotional
  2. Physical
  3. Mental
  4. Hormonal shift
  5. Strategies to assist fathers

C. Skills for New Dad

  1. Patience; fathering is learned
  2. Take classes
  3. Read books
  4. Search internet
  5. Support groups

D. Bonding with baby

  1. Start during pregnancy
  2. Attend appointments
  3. Touch mother’s belly
  4. Talk or sing to baby in womb
  5. Read to baby
  6. Create a special gift for baby
  7. Visualize life with baby

Complete Module Assignment


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