When men want babies

I recently met Edwin Wangila, such an extra ordinary man. He is planning for a baby – even before he is married. ‘I have come to learn that bringing forth a baby into this world is not as easy as A, B, C. Even where a man is on call 24/ 7, waiting to perform at the moment of need, I must say it may not always be a case of ‘pap!’ here comes the baby. There is much more to it. It even gets tougher for men like me whose schedules may keep us away from home for extended periods,’ he informs.

Edwin says it is important that he makes the necessary changes in his lifestyle. ‘This is to ensure that I am in perfect health – so that my fertility level remains high and the quality of my sperm is first class,* he adds. He seems so anxious about it. It is a new revelation for me that men also get unsettled at the thought of being unable to conceive.

‘You know,’ he goes on, ‘Society has for a long time made us believe that only women monitor their fertility and worry about conceiving. Far from the truth. There is so much to plan for in terms of health, finances, insurance, among others. Besides siring, men should take up the challenge of ensuring that when the baby comes, he is received like an expected visitor.’

To guarantee his chances of hitting it off on the first go, Edwin has a new lifestyle code:

Do not smoke
Edwin has quit smoking. Why?
Research shows that smoking decreases the quality of the sperm that you produce. It does this by reducing the density of the sperm and by decreasing its motility. Both are important factors in fertility because the more the sperm, the more their ability to be mobile and seek the egg and thus higher the chances of conceiving.

Watch that temperature
Edwin has reduced his hours in his warm boxers. He is also doing less overtime – especially at night. The lap top is no longer for the lap. What’s the connection?

Reproductive health experts claim that an increase in temperature around your genitals could reduce the quality and production of your sperm. Tight underwear or even outerwear may form a heat enclosure around your genitals and increase their temperature. Seating a lot could also result in increased heat in your genitals. So take breaks in between of rice work to walk about. Also, avoid very hot showers or baths.

Say no to drugs and excessive alcohol
Recently Edwin’s friends are not getting too many rounds of beer out of him. He is not visiting the pub as often. Strange? This is why:

Use of too much alcohol or any drugs induces sperm production in men. In case you have been using drugs, you may need to consult your doctor to help you wean off the drugs completely before trying for a baby. This also factors In the drugs prescribed by a doctor, especially the regular course medication For affliction or illness.
It will be good to discuss with your doctor your plans of having a baby so that he prescribes alternatives that may be go well with your fertility.

Keep fit

The gym instructors now know there is a man called Edwin. The gym is his second home!
Being unfit, overweight or even obese can affect male fertility.
Work on your fitness to maintain the ideal body mass index (BMl), This Will not only improve your fertility, but also improve your overall fitness to perform other physical activities effectively. Keeping lit will as well keep stress at bay. We all know that stress affects sexual desire.

Plan to protect
According to Edwin, he earns a decent salary – so why not plan early?

After inspecting your life and ensuring you are relaxed, planning ahead financially and even legally far both baby and mum Is supreme. You could make this commitment in your mind and even write It down on paper. Some men. especially those who travel a lot, opt for a healthcare proxy which gives someone else the right to make medical decisions for them in the event that they cannot. Having a legal will Is also important once you start a family. This will go along way to protect your family against harassment from friends and family when it comes to property, if you have any. Remember, this property could help give your baby a good education.

Get ready for baby health insurance cover sounds crazy, but Edwin has already started talking to insurers about the baby’s cover… Take a policy way before your baby comes and make sure it is flexible enough to add him to your health plan immediately he is born to make sure he is covered.

Bear in mind that your baby will need a lot of medical attention, especially during his first years. So early planning of their well being is inevitable. Document all that the doctor does, the tests taken, the results and follow up tests each time your Insurance cover is used. This will help ensure you do not end up with huge bills.

Plan for baby’s education
This Is Edwin’s new find about his baby’s future.
Sure school may seem like a long way away particularly at a time that you are only planning to conceive. But it is safer to start planning for It well in advance. Save for your child’s education from pre-school to college if possible. That way, you will ease yourself from stress of rummaging around For school fees each time schools open.

I am so enthralled by Edwin’s plans. If all men were Edwins, what a lovely world it would be for us, their lovely ladies!

END: PG35/11-12

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