Once you have got to grips with the knowledge of the fact that your life is about to change to a massive extent, forever, you can start getting around to planning for the arrival of your first baby. It is important to be strong at this stage; yes you will be filled with fear and in trepidation, but it is now imperative to keep yourself together and be strong for the other partner.
Of course, the first thing will be to plan the room in your house that you intend to turn into the nursery. You should try to make sure that the room is completely ready around a month before the baby is due.
Next, you need to work out a plan of action for when the mother to be goes into labour. Sit down and discuss the usual everyday routines that exist: for example, if Mum is still going to work, you need to have one of their colleagues inform you if she goes into labour in the workplace. Be prepared for a call at any time, perhaps even when you are in the middle of researching something as complicated as myelomeningocele.
If Mum is now staying at home, make sure she carries a mobile around with her so that she can quickly call you when the time comes - then, in turn, you can take the pressure off and do all the other necessary calls - something the Mum to be will not be able to focus on anything like as clearly.
Once the baby comes into the house, and indeed into your lives, it is important to remember that you will both work out what is the best way of coping between the two of you. What is good for other parents may not necessarily be so ideal for you.