Did your partner recently tell you she’s pregnant? If so, you’re likely feeling all the feelings at once and asking yourself questions like:
- Is she actually pregnant?
- Am I really the father?
- Am I responsible for the baby if I don’t want to be a dad?
- What do I do now?
- How can I help support her?
- What if I’m not ready to be a dad?
Your feelings and questions are understandable, but it’s important to take a deep breath and realize that everything will be okay. By taking purposeful steps in the right direction, you will feel empowered to move forward confindently.
Has the Pregnancy Been Confirmed?
If your partner recently told you she’s pregnant, it’s essential for your partner to confirm that she is still in fact pregnant (it’s possible that she’s miscarried since receiving the positive pregnancy test result). At Choices of the Heart, we offer free Pregnancy Options Consultations. During this appointment, your partner will be given a lab-quality pregnancy test and follow-up ultrasound. If the results are positive, your partner will also learn more about her pregnancy options and be given the space to ask questions.
What If I’m Not Ready to Be a Parent?
It’s important to know that no one ever feels prepared to parent. If your partner wants to parent, it’s essential to support her.
At Choices of the Heart, we offer Fatherhood Mentorship opportunities, which pair you with a one-on-one experienced mentor who will provide ongoing support and guidance. Men who have gone through our Fatherhood Mentorship experience report feeling more confident going into fatherhood after having learned about parenting in a safe, non-judgemental space.
Whether you never had a positive father figure in your life or you just want more information about parenting, our Fatherhood Mentorship experience was designed for you.
How Can I Support My Partner?
Supporting your partner is essential right now. Even if you don’t agree with her pregnancy decision or see staying together long-term, supporting your partner is critical for helping ensure that you both move forward feeling as encouraged as possible.
While it can be difficult to know exactly how to support your partner, the following ideas can help:
- Offer to attend all appointments with your partner
- Help her get the resources she needs right now (prenatal vitamins, rides to appointments, etc.)
- Ask her what pregnancy decision she’s considering and how you can help
- Offer to help with household chores like cooking, cleaning, etc.
Next Steps
At Choices of the Heart, we understand what you’re going through. But you’re not alone. We’re here for you. Contact us today to learn about all the ways we’re here to help.
