Indecision and insecurities may plague you this month as the birth draws nearer, made all the more disturbing by any unfamiliarity with these feelings. Try to conquer your anxieties by accepting your weaknesses and valuing your strengths. And recognize the fact that learning is all part of the experience.

Measuring Up

Whether you aspire to be just like your father or have sworn to be nothing like him at all, you've got some preconceived notion of just what makes the world's best dad. Beyond your own childhood, your idea of fatherhood has been shaped by many different influences, not the least of which are the impossibly patient patriarchs dramatized on the small screen. But though they're nice to visit, you wouldn't want to live with them. Don't try to measure up to a fantasy figure.

Trying to break the baby name stalemate? If you are set on one name and your partner on another, consider combinations of the two or variations with first and middle names. Still not agreeing? Start from scratch and find something that you both like. Be sure to consider all possible nicknames, initials, and obvious rhyming combinations to spare your child grief later.

Start with the basics. Promise yourself you'll listen to your child, be there for him, and instill a sense of values and moral compass through your actions and your words. Love him. That's what a father does best.

Diaper Duty and Other Special Skills

If you're a complete novice at infant care, the best way to pick up pointers is to take a baby care class at your local hospital. You may feel silly playing with dolls at first, but when you do it in a room full of other grown men following suit, it's easier to take. However, if a class isn't an option for you, and you don't have any babies of family or friends that you can take for a test-drive, it won't take you long to learn once your baby arrives.

You'll have the opportunity to diaper your newborn during her stay in the hospital, under the watchful eye of a nurse if you so desire. This is a safe environment in which to learn if you're a little wary of your abilities. Take advantage of it.

The first bath is always cause for some jitters, but your newborn won't be having anything beyond a sponging off until she's back at home and her cord has fallen off (yes, it's supposed to do that). Tag teaming with your partner on the baby bathing is a great approach to take until you've built up your confidence level.