Pregnancy From A New Dads Perspective

So I have been asked by Alice to write a post based on my personal experience of becoming a Dad so here goes! I will admit that Alice asked me questions and I just answered them so if the content is rubbish, blame her ;)!

These are the questions I was asked:

 

How did you feel when you found out Alice was pregnant?

Because we were trying for a baby for quite a while before falling pregnant, I guess my first feeling was disbelief! At the same time though, I was scared and overwhelmed. I had so many things running through my head and I think the main one was what is my life now going to be like? Because falling pregnant took so long, I didn't really think about the next part; having the baby!

How did you feel when you found out you were having twins?

I guess the same as above really! At the actual scan and time of being told it was twins, I was too busy consoling Alice to really think about how I felt! Of course I was shocked and have to admit that I did have a little tear come to my eye but I suppose I never thought it would happen to me. It did take a couple of weeks to completely sink in but I wouldn't change it for the world!

How did you feel when you found out you were having 2 boys?

I was so happy - I have always wanted a son! I think I was a little bit more happy than Alice at the scan as she did want a daughter as well.

Did you have a preference on genders?

I suppose I didn't really think about it to much; you get what you're given and you love them regardless. Looking back now though, I think I was hoping for 2 boys but also would have liked 1 of each because I knew how much Alice wants a daughter! I didn't really think about 2 girls - 2 Alice's? Oh god no!
 

How did you feel following their arrival?
I was unbelievably happy. They have given my live more purpose. I feel completely responsible for them and these little  men are what I live for!

How did I feel going back to work?
After spending 2 weeks with them I really didn't want to go but I didn't have a choice. I now have the responsibility to provide for my family! Work doesn't give me a break because my job is quite demanding but I definitely feel less responsibility for the time I'm at work. When I used to go to work I would have had 10 hours sleep the night before and now i'm getting less, I am much more tired when I actually get to work than I was before. I miss the boys so much when I'm there but I try not to think about it too much because I have to go; mainly to support Alice's spending habits!!

How did you find the hospital and being in theatre?

Well if you read Alice's blog post on the birth story, you will know that I wasn't great when I saw the needles; although in my defence, it was a pretty overwhelming experience and I think it all just hit me at once! I have to say that Great Western Hospital was amazing. I felt like we were completely in control, everyone knew what they were doing and they did an amazing job at keeping Alice and the boys safe. They all made me feel comfortable in their care but maybe not in the chair I had to sleep in for 2 nights!!

Did you think about having children before they were here?
Definitely! Alice and I were trying for a long time to fall pregnant and I always knew that one day I would like to have a family!

What would you recommend for new expectant dads?
I guess the most important one would be not to limit your expectations! What you think life is going to be, it isn't! It's harder and more exhausting but at the same time it's the most rewarding and fulfilling thing you can ever do. I also think that although nothing can prepare you emotionally and physically for having a child (or 2 at once in our case), you can prepare for the child - stock up on nappies, wipes and bath wash etc. Alice always tells me I have created a snow storm with the amount of talcum powder I use! Also, don't expect to have time to do lots of other things outside of home life; I feel guilty leaving them behind when I go off to motocross at the weekend of something. I almost feel like I should be at home and Alice should be out having a break. It is very hard to get the right balance though because although Alice deserves a break from looking after the boys, I have also gone to work for the week so need to have winding down time from that. no one can be on the go 24/7,its just not possible.

Any advice for couples trying to conceive?
Most importantly, don't let it rule your relationship. Alice and I were very on the rocks because we let it consume our life. Trying to conceive never leaves you and it is all you think about. The sex is good though....!


I hope I haven't said anything too bad and I have given you a good insight to my experience of becoming a father!

Now, I'm going to get back to my bike - the kids are asleep!!!

Here are a few pictures of me and the boys - although it seems Alice picked ones of me only holding Ollie!