Pregnancy Partner Support
We’re here for fathers, partners, and co-parents too
An unexpected pregnancy can bring up a lot of questions and emotions for you both. You might be wondering what your role is, how to be there for your partner, or what the months ahead could mean for your relationship and future.
Cochrane Pregnancy Care Centre offers free, confidential pregnancy partner support. Fathers and partners can meet with a trained Client Advocate or Male Mentor to discuss their feelings, access education and resources, and ask questions without pressure or judgement.
Navigating an Unexpected Pregnancy
You don’t have to do it alone
When you learn about an unexpected pregnancy, you might feel excited, scared, confused, worried, or a mix of all of these. While your partner may be feeling many of the same things, you don’t have to ignore your own questions and emotions.
Taking time to understand the situation and reflect on your role can help you approach conversations with your partner with more care and understanding. Whether you come alone or with your partner, we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
How Can I Help My Pregnant Partner?
Listen, learn, and let her know you’re there
It can be difficult to know what to say or do when your partner is unexpectedly pregnant. You don’t need to have all of the answers. Being willing to listen and have honest conversations is an important place to start.
If your partner thinks she may be pregnant, she can also receive a free pregnancy test at the Centre.
Some ways you can be there for your partner include:
Listening to how she’s feeling without pressuring her toward a particular decision
Learning about the pregnancy options she is considering so you both have accurate information
Asking what she needs from you rather than assuming
Talking openly about your own feelings and concerns
Discussing practical considerations such as finances, housing, and work or school
Respecting that the final pregnancy decision is hers
Encouraging her to visit Cochrane Pregnancy Care Centre and offering to come with her if she’d like you there.
Talk With a Male Mentor
Get one-on-one guidance from someone who understands
Sometimes it helps to talk with another man about what you’re experiencing. Our Male Mentor program gives fathers and partners a confidential place to work through their concerns and gain perspective on the responsibilities and changes ahead.
Depending on your circumstances, your Male Mentor can help you:
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Better Understand Your Role in the Process
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Find Ways to Support Your Partner
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Prepare for the Possibility of Becoming a New Dad
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Strengthen Communication Skills
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Recognize Healthy and Unhealthy Relationship Patterns
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Learn More About Parenting, Co-Parenting, or Family Life
Support for New Dads & Fathers-to-Be
Gain tools & skills for every stage of fatherhood
Cochrane Pregnancy Care Centre’s parenting programs provide support for new dads, moms, and parents-to-be. Learn about pregnancy, infant care, toddler development, communication, co-parenting, and other aspects of raising a child and creating a healthy home environment.
Whether you’re preparing for your first baby, are a new father, or want to strengthen your skills, you can access free, personalized education based on your needs and goals.
Partner Support FAQs
Get answers to questions about our pregnancy partner support services
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Yes. You’re welcome to contact or visit the Centre on your own. This gives you an opportunity to talk privately about what you’re feeling, ask questions, and get information relevant to your situation.
We also offer a Male Mentorship program if you’d prefer to speak one-on-one with another man about the pregnancy, fatherhood, or relationships.
You can even visit together if that’s what you and your partner prefer. In that case, a trained Client Advocate will meet with you both. -
Start by listening. Give your partner room to share how she feels and what she’s considering without trying to pressure her into a decision. You can also learn about her pregnancy options, discuss the practical considerations you’re facing together, and ask how you can best be there for her.
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You can share your thoughts and feelings and have open conversations with your partner, but the final decision about the pregnancy belongs to the person who is pregnant.
If you’re struggling with the situation or aren’t sure how to approach these conversations, schedule a confidential appointment at Cochrane Pregnancy Care Centre to meet privately with a Client Advocate or Male Mentor.
You can also come to the Centre with your partner to discuss your feelings and challenges, get factual, medically accurate information about pregnancy options, and receive the support, resources, and referrals you need to move forward with confidence.
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Our services for fathers and partners include confidential one-on-one appointments, as well as parenting and healthy relationship programs.
If you’re looking for male mentoring programs near you, we have that covered as well. Our male mentorship program gives you a dedicated person to turn to as you navigate pregnancy, relationships, and fatherhood.
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Yes. Our parenting programs provide curriculum-based education on pregnancy, infant care, child development, communication strategies, discipline and boundaries, and other topics.
A trained Client Advocate will guide you through personalized lesson plans focused on the areas where you’d like additional knowledge and support.
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Absolutely. Just like all of our programs and services, pregnancy partner support is free and confidential.
Get Support
Reach Out When You’re Ready
Cochrane Pregnancy Care Centre is here for fathers and partners at every stage, from navigating an unexpected pregnancy to preparing for fatherhood to building healthier relationships.
Contact us today to get started or learn more.