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You, for the first time in your recollection, are getting all the attention because you are getting fat. Fat with a baby, that is. Yes, of course you deserve most of the attention being the mom and giver of life. You're the one with a belly the size of a basketball, suffering nasty kicks to your bladder in the middle of the night, swollen ankles, nagging backaches, incredible cravings and need we speak of the impending childbirth itself? Just the thought of it makes you cringe, doesn't it? Well, if not it should. It won't be a bowl of cherries popping that kid out no matter how prepared you are. The Mommy-to-be indeed should get attention and loads of it.

But what about the dad? He's probably all but ignored at this time, isn't he? Pity, being it is half his doing, that precious being growing within you. Yes, his contribution, namely the actual conception, was mostly fun to him but it was likely fun for you too. Don't deny it! It is the aftermath of the fun that matters now, however, and you are the more visible of the two in regards to the pregnancy you created together. But does that mean we can shunt the dad to the side and forget him? Gosh no! He has every right to be as involved with the baby as you.

Did it ever occur to you that he might be feeling a bit left out and not like it? He might think you don't need him at all. He might very well be thinking you don't want him in on the rest of it either, namely the birth of his very own child. That would be a tragedy for you both plus the baby.

So, how do you get the dad more involved in the childbirth and delivery? Let us go over a few tips on that score.

Start At The Beginning.

Getting the dad involved from the start of the pregnancy will ensure he makes it through to the end. Get him, if at all possible, to come with you to doctor visits so he can see the baby's progress as well as hear it. Dads seem to like hearing the infant heartbeat just as much as moms and seeing the baby's first image on ultrasound is an extraordinary way to connect with the baby and each other. It simply makes it all so much more real to all of you.

Fear Factor.

Ask the dad what he thinks of the actual birth. Is he perhaps frightened, perhaps just as nervous or more so than you? Talking this over will help you both connect with each other and with the experience ahead of you. However, if he is the stoic type he won't admit this but if he knows you are apprehensive he will "man up" and be there for you. He will be your center so you won't

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