Tips for dads during labour

There are several things you can do during labour to not only help your partner throughout the process, but also to rack up some of those ever important brownie points. So take a look and get ready for a challenging, but incredible, experience!

1. Prepare yourself. Read up on the entire labour process and what your partner is going to experience. Make sure you know how to tell when labour begins and of course those things you should never do.

2. Pack a hospital bag for yourself. You’re going to be at the hospital for a long time too, so make sure you have a change of clothes and deodorant, you want your baby to have a good first impression of you, don’t you?

3. Keep your energy up. When you can get a bite to eat, because you’re going to need a lot of energy, just don’t eat in front of her, she’ll hate you for it!

4. Be understanding. Your partner’s hormones and emotions are going to be at their craziest during labour, don’t take any insults she may throw at you to heart, because many a husband has been divorced in the delivery room and his wife doesn’t even remember it happening.

You’re about to be one big happy family
Free image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

5. Be aware of everything that is happening from the moment labour starts. Many physicians will ask a series of questions when you arrive at the hospital. For example, “what was the water breaking like?” and “how far apart are her contractions?” Your partner will probably be in too much pain to answer these questions. If you have to write things down, do so.

6. Be aware of what she wants. Does she want a natural birth? Does she want you to cut the umbilical cord? Does she want you to keep an eye on that creepy doctor? Ask her all of these questions beforehand, because it is an important part of preparing yourself for labour.

7. Do not let anyone do anything without your partner’s permission. If she is unable to give permission, do your best to stick to the birth plan. Remember, it’s her right to decide what happens during childbirth (she did carry the baby for 40 weeks) and it will be your fault if someone does something she isn’t pleased about.

8. Be prepared for anything. Whether it is keeping calm during a complication, a change to the birth plan or having to sing your partner’s favourite song because you can’t find it on her ipod. Trust us, sing that song!

9. Know how to motivate and/or distract her so that she notices the pain less. We wish we could give you more details, but this part is tricky. Every woman is different and reacts to stressful situations in different ways. Think about your partner and if you’re still not sure, ask her.

We know this is a lot of information, so if you think it will be easier to remember what not to do during labour, check this article out.