This study examines the first-time expectant father's transition to fatherhood in contemporary Britain within the framework of transition theory. The aim was to identify core values and beliefs regarding fatherhood that are being transmitted through some of the rituals that men participate in before and during pregnancy, labour and birth. Qualitative data was obtained from interviews with fathers-to-be throughout their partners' pregnancy and after the birth of their child. The study found that men are striving to be involved with the process of pregnancy and childbirth and society and its institutions now consider involvement to be a significant indicator of a `good' partner and father. However, the traditional role of provider is also important in the attainment of this status. Thus men were creating and defining a ritual process in their passage to fatherhood that navigates and assimilates both `new' and `traditional' ideologies while endeavouring to manage the conflict it creates. The paper suggests that there are two salient ideologies of what it means to be a good father and these ideologies are in the process of merging. However, this convergence of beliefs creates conflict at times and men have to negotiate the divergence within their transition to fatherhood and through their rituals and rites of passage.