Becoming a dad for the first time can feel like someone handed you the TV remote with 200 buttons and walked away. Exciting? Yes. Confusing? Also yes. But the good news is you don’t need to have it all figured out on day one. From the moment you find out there’s a baby on the way to the day you finally hold them in your arms, there’s a beautiful (and sometimes funny) journey in between.
Think of this as your simple, dad-friendly guide, no medical jargon, no pressure, just the real stuff dads experience along the way.
From the moment your partner says, “Babe, I think I’m late,” everything changes. Suddenly, you’re googling symptoms, checking calendars, and acting like a certified doctor when you really have no clue what’s happening. Relax, this is normal. Early pregnancy comes with mood swings, cravings, sleepiness, and sometimes morning sickness. Your role? Be present, be patient, and maybe be prepared to go to the shop at midnight for nduma or ice cream… or both.
As months go by, you’ll start noticing changes, not just in her body, but in your relationship. Some days she may want your constant attention, and other days she may cry because you ate the last samosa. Hormones are wild like that. The best thing you can do is listen, support, and assure her you’re in this together. You don’t need perfect answers; just showing up counts.
Doctor visits will become part of your new routine. You don’t need to understand everything, but attending them shows support. Plus, the first time you hear your baby’s heartbeat? That moment alone could humble even the strongest of men.
As the due date approaches, you’ll realise babies don’t come with clear instructions. One minute you’re assembling a cot with confidence; the next minute you’re watching YouTube, asking, “Why are there extra screws?” Meanwhile, you and your partner will start talking about delivery options, hospital birth, birthing centre, midwife, whatever feels right. Prepare a hospital bag early so you’re not that dad running around the house like a headless chicken when the labour pains start.
Then comes that magical (and slightly terrifying) moment: labour. You’ll probably panic more than she does. But breathe. Your job is to sit with her, hold her hand, speak gently, encourage her, and maybe let her squeeze your fingers even if you think they might break. Kenyan hospitals are more dad-friendly these days, so ask if you can be in the delivery room. Being there to welcome your baby is one of those memories that stays with you for life.
When the baby finally arrives, everything shifts. That tiny human will look at you like you’re the whole world. You’ll realise why people say childbirth is a miracle. You may cry. Many dads do. No shame.
After delivery, your partner will need rest and support. Help with diapers, feeding prep, holding the baby, and shielding her from unnecessary visitors who come with unsolicited advice and eat all the food. Encourage her, affirm her, and remind her she’s doing a great job, even on days she doubts it.
And you? Don’t forget yourself. Talk to other dads, ask questions, and learn as you go. Fatherhood doesn’t come with a manual; you build it day by day through love, patience, and presence.
So, to every first-time Kenyan dad: you’ve got this. You may not know everything now, but you’re already on the right track because you care enough to learn. The journey from conception to delivery is a rollercoaster, but it’s one of the most rewarding rides you’ll ever take. And when your baby finally wraps their tiny fingers around yours, you’ll realise every late-night craving run, every antenatal visit, and every panicked moment was worth it.
Welcome to fatherhood. It’s going to be beautiful.