It seems like only a few short months ago that I was peeing on a stick (OK, 5 sticks) and anxiously awaiting those two little pink lines. The amount of baby gear in our house and the types of questions people are asking us like, “Who’s your pediatrician?” “Are you dilated?” “Is the car seat in place?” are major wake-up calls that this pregnancy is about to result in an infant–and fast.
The ups and downs of pregnancy (Hey, sometimes the trash not being taken out warrants crying) have definitely affected both of us. While it’s easy to think only the woman is experiencing this because she is carrying the child, studies show that expectant fathers can also experience changes in their stress levels, as well as fear and anxiety regarding finances and what type of father they will be. The cravings, mood swings, changes in appearance and sex life are bound to have an effect on even the strongest of couples. According to experts, for most men, cracking the baby books and asking lots of questions will help with the fear of the unknown, as well as talking to male friends with children.
Carrying our daughter has made me feel more taken care of by my husband, and I think he welcomed the opportunity to dote on me. I’ve also been grateful he’s around to build stuff. I really have no idea how a single mother sets up a nursery. I would not know where to begin with putting together a crib! With his busy schedule, though, it’s not always easy to get him to knock out his honey-do (or sucks-to-be-you) list. Tokii’s TradingPost will allow me to trade him a stress-relieving neck and shoulder massage for a high chair assembly. That could come in handy for late-night feedings and diaper changes too!
