Attend prenatal appointments, especially the anatomy scan and any glucose or growth scans.

Take a birth class together — knowing the stages of labor turns panic into purpose.

Install the car seat 2 weeks before due date. Get it inspected at a fire station (free in most US cities).

Stock the freezer with 14 days of meals.

Negotiate parental leave NOW — partner involvement in the first 6 weeks lowers maternal depression rates.

Default to: do the visible thing without being asked.

Own one full feed or shift overnight so mom gets a 4–5 hour sleep block.

Shield her from visitors. Be the bouncer.

Ask 'how can I help?' less. Ask 'what can I take off your plate?' more.

Watch for paternal postpartum depression — affects ~10% of dads, peaks 3–6 months in.

Schedule 1:1 time with the baby. Confidence comes from reps, not advice.