Thursday, April 23, 2015

Pregnancy and You - Tips for expecting men


Good morning people. How are you doing?

This post is primarily for men whose wives are expecting. Others are welcome to participate in the discussion.

So, Madam has delivered the big news - I'M PREGNANT (or WE'RE PREGNANT, something that still stuns me, lol). She has cooked a fantastic dinner and pulled all stops to make the big announcement! Believe me sir, your response to this news is very crucial to how your expecting time will go.

Tip#1 - No matter what you say, please don't make the pregnancy not seem like a big deal. Even if you weren't planning for the baby, your first response shouldn't be something that blames HER for getting pregnant. Your response in this fine moment will go a long way in determining how easy or difficult the pregnancy will go.

 

As the days go by, you need to show your commitment by learning as much as you can about pregnancy. Read books, check out the links she sends to you (lol) and generally get comfortable with pregnancy talk. It's interesting to find a man, who has had 9 months notice, who is CLUELESS about how to care for a baby. That communicates a lack of commitment more than anything else in the world. My dear brothers, please read up; you'll even learn some fun things along the way.

 

Attending ante-natal classes and doctor's appointments with your pregnant wife communicates commitment in ways I can't explain. You're telling her - we're in this together. Also, you have the opportunity to ask questions from the doctor.

 

Please don't place undue pressure on her with unreasonable demands. There'll be some days when she won't have enough energy to clean the house. You need to watch what you say about her weight, her looks, her housekeeping skills etc. The worst thing I've ever heard a husband say to his pregnant wife is "You're not the first woman to be pregnant". That's a HUGE withdrawal from her love bank and at a wrong time! It is insensitive, please.

 

I'm not sure how to communicate this deeply but I'll try. During this period, she needs A LOT of emotional support from you (Ideally, she should get emotional support from you normally). BE THERE for her. Cuddle her, talk to her, give her backrubs at night, call her during the day just to say "hi", sing to her, woo her, dance with her. If the pregnancy is not a difficult one and the doctor clears you both, make love when she feels up to it. I personally think God had this period in mind when He asked husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the church. You'll need to put aside your own needs to minister to her. This period is one of the times when you need to give her special attention. You also need to be careful of choking her with too much attention, though.

 

Reassure her of your love and commitment to your union. Annoyingly, a good number of men do the exact opposite during this period. Their actions communicate that they'll rather spend their time and resources on other ventures. This is not what God had in mind when he brought that fantastic woman to build a life with you. If you're neglecting your wife during this period that she needs you the most, be rest assured that God will raise help for her and she'll be okay. However, you MAY be digging the grave of your marriage with your own attitude...

 

There is a wealth of information online that can guide you IF you're interested. This is not the time to start looking for someone/something to assist your wife in her wifely duties. This is the time to prove that you meant what you said when you exchanged vows.

 

If you've slipped in one or more areas, there is still hope. Repent and ask the Lord to help you. Go home to your wife, seek her forgiveness and work things out. Take your place and don't open the door for the enemy to take advantage. If the woman that's pregnant for you isn't your wife, you need to first repent of fornication/adultery. You'll also need to apply these tips cautiously.

 

Enjoy your day.

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