Father to be Advice

PhilMcCarthy66

Hi lady's I am a father to be and would like advice on how I can help and get involved but at the the same time not get under the feet I'm 27 it's our first child together my girlfriend is 31 we both work but she said she would like to go back to work after the pregnancy and for me to quit my job and stay at home and look after the baby witch i don't mind at all as she can earn more money in a year than I can I have worked since I was 16 years of age and worried that I won't be the one who is earning the money anymore any advice or tips would be helpful thank you if you have read this

Coltsdad

First of all, you posted on the dad's board, so while some ladies will read this, the majority are men.

Secondly, if you want to get involved it is relatively easy.  Read baby books.  Go to doctor appointments (as many as you can, at least the major ones).  Pick up some extra household chores.  Ask her if she needs anything.   Simple things go a long, long way.

If she makes considerably more money, and has insurance that covers you and the baby both, it is an option to consider.

I do not know the full details of your relationship, whether this is a long term, or relatively new relationship, etc. So I can't really offer much more than what I have so far.  If it is a newer relationship, quitting your job may prove to be a bad idea if the relationship does not last.

LuckyDad

The . key on your keyboard seems to be broken...

It sounds like your gf and you are on the same page, which really is the most important part. You will have some kinks to iron out. As a woman, it may be hard for her to take the "secondary parent" role, but if you're the full time stay at home, you're going to be the one who knows the baby's schedule and where all his stuff is, etc.

Definitely do some reading now, while you have the chance, especially about nap schedules. And do everything you can to prep the home for the arrival of your new baby. 

ladyjenna13

Welcome!

If you are going to be a SAHD, start prepping for your role now.  You will be busy, and there is a lot that you will need to know in order to be the best you can at it.  It sounds like you want to do that, so get busy reading up and learning all you can about babies.  Look into taking some classes as well.

And of course, keep asking questions around here.  There are some really good father's here, and between all of us we have a wide variety of experiences that will help you as you begin down this path.

DavidStamps

Coltsdad:

First of all, you posted on the dad's board, so while some ladies will read this, the majority are men.

Secondly, if you want to get involved it is relatively easy.  Read baby books.  Go to doctor appointments (as many as you can, at least the major ones).  Pick up some extra household chores.  Ask her if she needs anything.   Simple things go a long, long way.

If she makes considerably more money, and has insurance that covers you and the baby both, it is an option to consider.

I do not know the full details of your relationship, whether this is a long term, or relatively new relationship, etc. So I can't really offer much more than what I have so far.  If it is a newer relationship, quitting your job may prove to be a bad idea if the relationship does not last.

THIS. Couldn't have said it better myself.

smilormarie

Lurker here.  My manager and her husband are in the same situation.  He has been a stay at home dad for 5 yrs while my manager works from home.  Now both of their boys are in pre-school.  The 5 yr old and the 2 yr old.  He takes them to nursery school and picks them up and does all the creative activities throughout the day with them, maybe even cooks dinner.  I think my manager is very lucky to have a husband willing and able to do all that.  She still has a great relationship with her sons but they are daddy's boys.  The day he had to be in the hospital for knee surgery it was almost the end of the world for them since dad wasn't there to kiss them goodnight.