Fatherhood Forge

Welcome to Traverse City’s first birth class created specifically for men.

Our mission is to shift the mindset around fatherhood. Moving men from the sidelines to being along side their spouse. We want to help you become informed, prepared, and actively involved in supporting their partner and child every step of the way.

This one-of-a-kind program is designed to guide expectant fathers through the challenges of pregnancy, birth, and early fatherhood with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Fatherhood Forge Foundation

One of the most challenging parts of becoming a father is how fast new information hits you. Often starting without a strong foundation to build on. Pregnancy and postpartum come with a steep learning curve, and without basic knowledge, it’s easy to feel left behind.

Many men quickly realize that those first OB or midwife appointments feel like a foreign language. Finding themselves sitting quietly in the corner, unsure of what’s being said. While the provider speaks only to their partner. Often finding yourself disengaging through the process due to a lack of understanding. This is why we designed our educational men’s birth classes to help you through every step of the way

At The Fatherhood Forge, we’re here to change that. We want to replace that helpless feeling with confidence. We want you to step into this season as your spouse’s advocate, not a sidelined observer.

Come with an open mind and a willingness to grow. This journey will change your life and we’re here to help you show up fully for every moment of it.

Class 1: Basic Knowledge & Foundation

In our first men’s birth class, we’ll dive into foundational knowledge that every new dad should have. You’ll receive practical, easy-to-understand information, along with fillable documents and tools we’ll walk through together. Our goal is to equip you with insights you can rely on throughout the pregnancy. Providing you with material you can refer back to whenever you need them.

Here’s a preview of what we’ll cover:

  1. Physical Changes in Pregnancy: Your spouse’s body will undergo dramatic physical changes throughout pregnancy. We’ll help you understand what to expect and how to be supportive during each stage of these transitions.
  2. Emotional & Mental Health: Hormonal shifts are essential to growing a healthy baby. But, they can also affect mood, emotions, and mental health. We’ll talk about what’s normal, how to communicate with empathy, and how to work as a team through the ups and downs.
  3. Common Pregnancy Complications: Every pregnancy is different, even for the same couple. We’ll review some of the more common complications that can arise. So you can feel prepared, not panicked, if the unexpected happens.
  4. Red Flags To Watch For: Recognizing warning signs early can make a big difference. We’ll teach you what to look for, how to respond calmly, and when to seek help. So you can protect and support your partner with confidence.
  5. Birth Preparation & Planning: From birth plans to knowing your role in the during delivery. We’ll cover what you need to know to be the advocate your spouse deserves. Doing your research now means fewer surprises later and smoother decision-making when the big day arrives.
  6. Ways To Support Your Spouse: We’ll walk through simple, effective support techniques your spouse may want you to use during labor and delivery. Being proactive and prepared puts you ahead of the curve and shows her she’s not alone.

Class 2: Preparation For Baby’s Arrival

In our second men’s birth class we’ll discuss preparation for baby’s arrival. Getting ready for baby’s arrival is a task that always takes more time than you think. Getting things done sooner than later can eliminate a lot of stress you can face heading into your newborns arrival.

Here are a few things we will help you work through:

  1. Milestones & House Safety: There’s a lot to do before baby arrives—and even more adjustments as they grow and hit new milestones. Having the right tools and safety measures in place ahead of time helps ease those transitions. We’ll also talk about how every child develops at their own pace and how to prepare for the unexpected.
  2. Nursery: Designing the nursery can be fun (and make for great photos), but many parents quickly realize they don’t use it much in the early weeks. We’ll help you take the pressure off and explore realistic, flexible options that suit your family’s needs, without unnecessary stress.
  3. Birth Plans: You can’t plan for everything, but preparing for a variety of real-world scenarios can make all the difference. We’ll guide you through the major decisions you might face during labor and delivery, so you feel more ready, informed, and empowered to advocate.
  4. Meal Prep: Postpartum life can be chaotic, and nutrition often takes a back seat. We’ll cover how to involve friends, family, or your church community in preparing freezer meals that are quick, nourishing, and easy to reheat, giving you one less thing to worry about.
  5. Registry & Baby Showers: These small choices can have a big impact, not only on your baby’s development and comfort but also on your daily routine as a parent. We’ll walk through the must-haves, the nice-to-haves, and what’s better left off your list.
  6. Packing A Birth Bag: Whether you’re planning a home birth or hospital birth, having your bag packed thoughtfully can make the experience smoother. We’ll cover what to include for you, your partner, and baby, so you’re comfortable, prepared, and ready to focus on what matters most.

Class 3: Support During Delivery

Labor has begun and everything you’ve been preparing for is now in motion. This is your time to step in with confidence, stay present, and support your spouse through one of the most intense and important moments of your lives.

There’s a lot to know and a lot you can do. The key is preparation. When labor begins, decisions can happen quickly and circumstances can shift in an instant. That’s why being ready ahead of time matters.

In this men’s birth class, we’ll cover essential tools and strategies to help you show up, stay grounded, and be the strong, steady advocate your spouse needs. Topics include:

  1. Recognizing Stages Of Labor: Understanding the different stages of labor helps you anticipate what your spouse is experiencing and how to best support her in each phase. Each stage presents unique physical and emotional challenges. Knowing what to expect allows you to stay calm, communicate clearly, and make informed decisions when they matter most.
  2. Physical Support Techniques: There are practical, hands-on ways to ease your partner’s discomfort throughout labor. From counterpressure to hip squeezes and guided breathing, you’ll learn how to be an active participant rather than a bystander, helping reduce pain, tension, and stress as labor progresses.
  3. How To Advocate: When labor gets intense, having a solid plan in place and knowing your partner’s wishes allows you to confidently advocate for her needs. We’ll walk through potential scenarios and interventions so you’re equipped to speak up, ask questions, and protect her preferences without hesitation.
  4. When To Contact Your Birth Team & Family: Timing is everything. Knowing when to notify your midwife, OB, doula, or family members ensures a smooth transition into active labor, whether you’re delivering at home or in a hospital. We’ll help you identify the cues and avoid unnecessary stress or last-minute scrambles.
  5. Keeping Yourself Grounded: Your ability to stay composed will directly influence your spouse’s sense of safety. You’ll learn simple mental and physical techniques to manage your own nerves and emotions, so you can stay clear-headed, responsive, and steady when things get intense
  6. Emotional Presence & Encouragement: Labor is as emotional as it is physical. We’ll cover how to offer reassurance, stay emotionally connected, and handle tough moments with compassion, even when communication is strained. Your words, presence, and attitude can have a lasting impact on her birth experience.

Class 4: Postpartum Life & Care

Congratulations, fatherhood has officially begun! We’re still here, ready to support you every step of the way. While the birth may be behind you, the real work is just beginning.

Being informed and prepared to care for your spouse and newborn in these early days and months can make a world of difference; for her recovery, your baby’s development, and your own peace of mind. With the right knowledge and support, you can reduce stress, prevent avoidable struggles, and step confidently into this next chapter.

Here is a preview of a few topics we’ll dive into:

  1. Understanding Postpartum Recovery Process: Postpartum recovery is one of the most overlooked parts of motherhood. As a partner, your awareness and support during this stage can make a profound impact on your spouse’s physical and emotional healing. We’ll cover what recovery looks like and practical ways you can actively support it.
  2. Helping With Basic Needs: In the first days and weeks after birth, your spouse’s energy and mobility will be limited. Learning how to manage household tasks, meals, and daily routines allows her to rest and recover. The goal is simple: help minimize her load so her body can heal properly.
  3. Infant Care Basics: No one gets a manual with their newborn, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’ll walk through the essentials; diaper changes, safe holding, swaddling, soothing techniques, and more, to help you feel confident and capable in caring for your baby from day one.
  4. Creating Rhythm & Routine: Establishing a rhythm early on makes the chaos of newborn life more manageable. We’ll explore ways to build simple routines that support your partner, create bonding time with your baby, and help you stay grounded in your new role as a father.
  5. Recognizing signs of Postpartum Depression: Your emotional support plays a vital role in your spouse’s mental health. We’ll teach you how to spot signs of postpartum depression or anxiety, how to respond with empathy, and what steps to take if you suspect something more serious is going on.
  6. Red Flags To Lookout For In Your Newborn: While most babies leave their first checkups in great health, certain issues can still arise. We’ll go over common warning signs to look out for and when to seek help, so you can respond confidently and advocate for your newborn when it matters most.

You’ve Got This!

As you’ve seen, there’s a lot to learn and even more that may not have crossed your mind yet. That’s where we come in. Our goal is to take the stress out of preparing for labor, birth, and life with a newborn. Through every men’s birth class we will guide you ever step of the way.

We’ll provide you with a binder full of helpful handouts and reference materials, practical guides to prepare alongside your spouse, and product recommendations to make things easier. Most importantly, we’re here to support you every step of the way, from day one through every new stage of fatherhood.

Whether you need answers, encouragement, or just someone to talk to, you’re never in this alone.
You’re not just becoming a dad, you’re becoming the kind of father who shows up, leads with love, and grows through every challenge.

And we’re here to help you do exactly that.

“Your presence is her strength. Your support is her peace.”

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