Pregnancy Support for Men

Well, I think I'll make this post a little shorter as I hope some of you wonderful women will share it with your men.  Previously, I wrote about what men endure as they support their sick, pregnant wives.  Today, we'll look at the support that men can receive during pregnancy. 

Women, understandably, as you struggle thought the laborious life of pregnancy, it's difficult to watch as your man isn't feeling what you're feeling.  However, as much as I'm not a fan of the "F" word, "feel," men do feel somewhat lost during the whole pregnancy experience.  Where most (not all) women look for support through talking to other women, most men need to do things for support.  For example, before our first child was born, I went out and bought a golf set.  Now, there are two things to know about me.  First, I will go to five different stores looking for a pair shoes but come home with nothing because I can't find anything "on sale" enough.  However, golf clubs on sale or not are not cheap.  Second, you haven't seen me play golf!  Let's just say that I was recently in a group at a fundraising golf tournament and we got last place--out of about forty teams!  My brother-in-law went out and bought a four-wheeler.  I don't want you to focus on the fact that we spend money but rather that we buy things because in some ways they create a support system for us.
Also, you might find that we tend to want to go out and do things maybe a little more often than previously, which is the opposite of when many women feel due to be sick and tired.  While we may not do this consciously, we're merely trying to again find support and comfort in doing as much as we can before our lives change so drastically.  (Iroically, I'm sitting at home on a Friday night writing this blog while my wife watches this ridiculous show Downton Abbey on Netflix.)  At least the three children are sleeping. 

Men, as ridiculous as it may seem, I encourage you to find people you can share your experiences with.  I can remember lying in bed at night being so frustrated with my wife because she was so tired and lethargic.  Obviously, it wasn't my wife's fault.  In fact props go to her because while many of our friends received prescriptions for their sickness as soon as they could, Faith never asked for them.  If I only had a male counterpart to experience this with me, we could have laughed and complained together.  Instead, I only had myself, and let me tell you putting two of me together doesn't help the situation.  I also suggest you do things for your wife to help her.  This could be making dinner, giving her a massage (can be very helpful), taking the other children out for the day, encouraging her to go out with her friends, and taking her out on a date of her choosing (for some this might simply mean watching a movie at home).  Now, this doesn't always work out perfectly, but in return, your wife often times will put forth extra effort to show you she loves you (could be expressed in many different ways).  Finally, I encourage people to pray.  I realize not all of you have a strong faith, but prayer allows/allowed me to put all those anxieties and frustrations aside and feel a peace that only God can provide.

Ultimately, I dealt with a lot of frustration and anxiety during my wife's pregnancies that wasn't necessary.  With each pregnancy I learned to look at things through different lenses and to appreciate the moment rather than dread it.  So do what you can to support and encourage each other so pregnancy isn't just a time of pain and frustration but also a time when you strengthen your love for each other.  So much for a shorter post!  It's this stupid show my wife is watching!

Financial Tip of the Day:
Put a set about of cash in an envelope for a week or month of groceries.  Look at previous shopping expenditures and try to use less.  Remember to use those coupons.

Questions:
1)What have other men done to survive pregnancy?
2)What have other people purchased as a last blast before children?
3)Does anyone else actually like Downton Abbey?