Fatherhood Program

Introduction to our Fatherhood Program

Guys, if your partner is pregnant and you’re wondering what your next steps are, Coast Pregnancy Clinic’s volunteer coaches can help you. Our coaches are fathers themselves and remember the thoughts and feelings that you’re likely having:

I wasn’t expecting my partner to get pregnant.
I don’t want this to affect my relationship with my partner.
I don’t know if I want to be a dad.
A baby will affect my freedom.
I don’t know how to take care of a baby.
I want to be a dad, but my partner doesn’t want to keep the baby.
I don’t know how I’m going to support a child.

Men play a vital role as the strongest and most supportive advocates during pregnancy choices. Although pregnancy and childbirth can be puzzling for men, we strive to provide a comprehensive understanding of the available options so that you and your partner can make informed decisions together. Coast Pregnancy Clinic offers straightforward education for men, meeting with a coach to discuss concepts related to fatherhood, and support for your journey. If you are a new or expectant father, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with a coach to receive the necessary information and support for making informed decisions about your next steps.

What You’ll Gain From the Fatherhood Program

Learn about pregnancy options

Empowerment to make joint decisions

Consultation sessions with a coach

Parenting support and training classes

Talk with a Coach

Beginning The Pregnancy Journey

Couples can visit our center for complementary pregnancy testing and ultrasound exams. Women will be seen by a member of our medical team for testing, and if she requests, her partner may join her once her evaluation is complete.

During the same appointment, expecting dads can consult with a volunteer coach to discuss the three options in depth. The visit covers pregnancy information, explores available choices, and outlines the short and long-term impacts on both your lives.

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Free Parenting Courses

Coast Pregnancy Clinic provides parenting support and training classes at no charge for both women and men. Courses for men are provided through Doctor Dad® or BrightCourse, giving a male-focused perspective to this training. These classes are online and can be completed on your own schedule. When completed, expectant and new fathers will have essential knowledge on caring for their pregnant partners and understanding infant-toddler health, safety, and welfare.

Doctor Dad®: Basic Training is an interactive online course packed with information that has immediate practical applications for new dads. In each lesson, you’ll learn things like how to care for a pregnant partner, how to calm a crying baby, the importance of skin-to-skin contact, child nutrition, how to take a temperature, and gun safety. Not only will we walk you through the practical hands-on skills of being a dad, but you will also go in-depth on topics like compassion, suffering, anger, and patience through a brief devotional at the end of each step.

Dad and the Pregnancy
Dad and the Delivery
Dad and the Well Child
Dad and the Sick Child
Dad and the Injured Child
Dad and the Safe Child

Each key training module is created by experienced dads, medical professionals, and seasoned pregnancy center staff for the dad who wants to learn practical skills that will make a difference in the life of his child and partner. This course is a great first step in learning more about how to care for your child and pregnant partner and will equip you to embrace fatherhood with confidence!

9 Questions to Ask Yourself

How does the title “Father” sound to you?

The thought of becoming a father may be overwhelming at first but, rest assured, you’ll be great if you choose to be. It’s mostly about effort! Being 100% committed to your child and building a good relationship with the mother are the first steps.

Will your life change? Of course it will. Is it a scary thought to be responsible for a new life, a baby? Sure, it is, but what a blessing from God! A most sacred blessing at that. Fatherhood will be the most important, impactful, and rewarding title you will hold in this lifetime. Congratulations, Dad! Let’s get started…

Why are Fathers so important?

Children who live without fathers are, on average, at least two to three times more likely to be poor, to use drugs, and to have trouble in school with their behavior and health than are children who live with both parents. They are also more likely to be abused and to go to prison. You are important!

Why does your dad matter today?

Men who have good relationships with their own dads tend to model the way their dads raised them. Men who had poor or no relationships with their dads try to correct and “rework” the poor fatherhood model they were raised under. Being cognizant of good and bad models can help you become the best father and dad you can be.

Will you be a good partner to your child’s mother?

The relationship with your child’s mother will have a direct impact on the quality of the relationship you have with your child. Whether you are married or not, the two of you will be forever linked together as “parents.” If you’re not married, you should consider it. The data on marriages shows that children of married couples are healthier, on average, than children of unmarried parents. Married couples tend to align their goals on child rearing and become a stronger and more committed “parenting team.”

How will you care for Mom during pregnancy?

Building your parenting relationship begins now. Open and clear communication with Mom is vital. Let her know your feelings on fatherhood, your vision of family, and most of all, let her know that you’re “all-in” as the baby’s dad. Listen to her and seek to understand her fears, concerns, and dreams. Good communication is the bedrock to any good relationship. Next, discuss a prenatal care plan, baby preparations, and delivery plans. Decide if you will attend doctor appointments and find out what help she wants and needs from you.

Do you know how a pregnancy affects a woman’s body?

As her partner, it’s important you understand the complexity of the physical and emotional challenges an expecting mother experiences during pregnancy.

Physical: Pregnancy affects every part of a woman’s body—from their hair to their toenails. She will be more tired and irritable, and her body will ache from the physical changes that are occurring within her. Her breasts will become tender and later in the pregnancy may leak an early form of milk called colostrum. She may experience shortness of breath, constipation, heartburn, and gas. Many women experience leg cramps or “restless” legs.

Emotional: Pregnancy related hormonal changes can have a significant impact on moms-to-be mental health. It’s normal for pregnant women to experience a wide range of emotions, from joy and excitement to bouts of anxiety, mood swings, and depression. Changes to her physical appearance may lead her to negative feelings and emotions.

As the father, you must be empathetic and understanding of her real conditions and support her throughout the pregnancy and post pregnancy challenges. You must be her rock upon which she can rely on.

Are you ready and prepared to meet your baby?

Nobody is ever 100% ready, that’s a fact! The most important preparation is two loving parents ready to care for and nurture this newborn. Have you included your family in your delivery and infant care plan? Families can be and should be an important part of the baby’s life. They can also be an invaluable resource when it comes to childcare, emergency contact, advice and guidance, and other day-to-day activities. Don’t worry, we have great BrightCourse parenting videos that will help you prepare.

What makes a Dad great?

Time with your child is the most important thing. Prioritizing “family first” is what great Dads do. Making time to spend quality time with your child, consistently, is foundational to establishing a loving and caring relationship. It’s the simple things, like reading a book to your child, that mean most. Children are complicated and as they grow it’s important to understand how their brain and body is developing. Educating yourself about these life stages will better prepare you to successfully navigate these changes. And don’t forget your child’s Spiritual needs. Good citizens have strong moral beliefs and ethical values. These spiritual formations are first learned at home, guided by parents and family. As a father, it’s never too early to get started instilling strong spiritual beliefs in your child.

What kind of role model will you be?

Do you lead a healthy lifestyle? If not, now is a great time and your baby is a good reason to make changes. Children model their behaviors from their parents therefore, parents must be cognizant that little eyes and ears are aware of everything.

Talk with a Coach

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About the Fatherhood Program

Who can join the Fatherhood Program?

Any expectant and new fathers interested in learning about pregnancy, infant-toddler health, safety, and welfare are able to participate in the program.

Is the Fatherhood Program free?

Yes, the Fatherhood Program is provided free of charge to all participants.

What does the Fatherhood Program entail?

The Fatherhood Program includes attending pregnancy testing and ultrasound exams, pregnancy options education, coaching sessions, online training courses, and support along the pregnancy and early parenthood journey.

What is the time commitment for the Fatherhood Program?

The time commitment includes the initial and any follow up coaching sessions in our office, plus the amount of time it takes to complete the training course videos. The training videos are available online so they can be completed at any time.

Is material support part of this program?

While you are participating in our BrightCourse or Doctor Dad® programs, you will be earning “Baby Bucks” to spend in our Baby Boutique. This area is full of clothing, blankets, diapers, wipes, and many more items. We also have a program that will enable you to earn a stroller, car seat, or crib as well.

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