“There are a million different ways to support our partners as they grow life inside of them; nine months wasn't enough time to try them all, but I learned that supportive care can and should extend into postpartum and beyond—it's become a lifestyle.”

What does a healthy and joyous birth mean to you?

A healthy and joyous birth to me is my baby being born without any complications and has all of their ligaments. A happy baby that is alert and full of smiles and love!

Who was a part of your village of support during pregnancy and the time shortly after birth? How did they help?

Both of our parents were in our village and still are today. We always say we don’t know where we would be without our village.


Where do you go to get information in general and also specifically related to childbirth, pregnancy, being a father? (apps, websites, podcasts, YouTube channels, etc.)

I would say I definitely use the internet to research things I don’t understand when it comes to being a father. I wanted to make sure I understood what my son’s mom was going through while carrying my baby.

How did you/do you participate in the pregnancy with your partner? Classes? Appointments? Other?

I made it a point to be at every doctor's appointment and class that was scheduled. I never missed an appointment.

How do you contribute as a partner in other ways?

Just making sure I’m present. I’ve realized that my presence means everything to my son then anything I can ever buy him.

What does being a father mean to you?

Being a father to me means providing all that my child needs to be healthy and happy while being vulnerable enough to know when I need help providing those things so she is always loved and cared for the way she deserves. 

How has fatherhood changed your life?

Fatherhood changed my life for the better. It added a person in my life who has challenged me to continuously grow daily and learn to adapt to the ever-changing world she is growing up in. No day is the same, no lesson too small to learn, no problem is too big to handle, and I learned that from her.