If you live near a hospital that offers classes, go to all of them. If you've never handled a baby before, they have pretend babies that you can handle and chan

If you live near a hospital that offers classes, go to all of them. If you've never handled a baby before, they have pretend babies that you can handle and change diapers. If the hospital doesn't, check out the local public health department as they will likely know who offers classes. If your baby is to be breastfed, then check out Le Leche League for information on how all that works including pumping. The breastfeeding parent will take on a lot of work to produce and sometimes express milk, so work out a schedule where you can help out with the non-feeding aspects. (Also most insurances cover one pump and some cover supplies throughout the year.) Procure or make freezer meals. If you can get through the first 4-6 weeks without really doing the whole food production, you'll be okay. Get some books: the Expectant Father is good for non-birthing parents. What to expect when you are expecting is a really good book to have on hand for all potential scenarios. Babies change a lot in the first year, so whatever you think is hard about that moment.... just remember it is just for a moment and will eventually pass. We have a walking talking toddler... and I miss her potato days when I could cuddle her and stare into her eyes without her sassing me about not reading her book fast enough. And potato days were sooo hard since I got no sleep with a 90 minute breastfeeding schedule (baby set it, not me).