DEAR MR. DAD: My wife is due in a couple of months, but I have to fly to the East coast for six weeks of training for a new job. Unfortunately, that means that I’ll miss the birth. My wife is very supportive, but I know this is going to be hard on her. Is there such a thing as a part-time nanny who could step in for a while? What else can I do?

Answer: There are several things I can suggest. First, before you go, burn some CDs of yourself reading stories. Given that your baby will be just a couple of months old when you leave, what you read isn’t that critical. But it should be something simple with rhythm and rhymes. “The Cat in the Hat” or “Goodnight Moon” are great choices. Then ask your wife to play the CD for the baby every night before bed. That’ll keep your voice fresh in the baby’s mind so when you get back you won’t be as much of a stranger.

As far as your wife goes, regular calls and e-mails will be greatly appreciated, as will flowers and other special reminders that you love her (hiding some little notes around the house before you leave can be fun). But I think you’re on the right track with the nanny idea. The one thing your wife will appreciate most of all is some time off. I’m sure you can find a nanny-share that will accommodate the schedule you need. It’s amazing what’s out there. Also, if you can get friends and/or relatives to give your wife some occasional breaks, that would be good, too.

OK, that takes care of your wife and baby. What about you? Ask your wife to e-mail you photos or video clips of the baby as often as she can and ask her to tell you what the baby is doing, and so on. You don’t want to feel as though you’re completely on the outside. At the risk of sounding a little self-promoting, you might also want to pick up a copy of my book, “The New Father: A Dad’s Guide to the First Year.” That’ll give you a lot of information on what’s going on with your baby while you’re gone and on what you can do the jump back into the thick of things when you get home.

Sounds like while this job might cause some difficulty right now, in the long run it’ll enable you to better provide for your family. And that can greatly reduce the stress in your lives. Good luck!

Armin Brott is the author of many best-selling books on fatherhood. His new DVD, “Toolbox for New Dads,” has just been released.

You can find out more about it and Armin’s other resources for fathers at www.mrdad.com or by emailing arminmrdad.com. Try DaddyCast, his new, twice-weekly podcast (http://www.mrdad.com/daddycast.