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When you hear the word pregnancy, the first image that pops into your mind is that of a pregnant woman cradling her baby bump!
While pregnancy and delivery are predominantly about a woman’s journey into motherhood, we often neglect the fact that dads-to-be also have a very crucial role to play when it comes to pregnancy.
Most men today are extremely invested in the entire journey of pregnancy and are more than happy to be involved in the process.
And yet, most articles and pregnancy books dramatically downplay a new father's role not just during pregnancy but also during labor and delivery.
Gone are the days when fathers used to pace nervously outside the delivery room helplessly waiting for the baby to arrive.
Today, to-be-fathers like to play an active part during childbirth and are beyond stoked to witness the monumental event of the arrival of their little one!
Even though your partner is delivering the baby, we understand how watching the love of your life endure so much pain during childbirth can turn you into an anxious nail-biter.
This is precisely why our team decided to go over numerous pregnancy forums and research articles related to childbirth with a fine-tooth comb.
We have come up with some expert-backed ways in which dads can prepare themselves for what could potentially be the most important day in your lives!
While we wholeheartedly agree that providing encouragement and emotional support to the mother during labor is the primary role of dads-to-be, a common misconception that plenty of expecting couples have is that this where the dad’s role starts and ends.
We want you to know that this is not true at all!
There is no doubt that labor is an intense and painful experience.
Despite all the pain and anxiety involved, it is guaranteed to be the most miraculous and extraordinary experience in the life of any couple.
Listen up, Superdads!
Here is your opportunity to wow your partner by following the tips that we have compiled for you.
While the mom will always be the star when it comes to pregnancy and labor, putting our tips into action will most certainly help you shine.
Whether you are an expectant father reading this article or a to-be-mum who would like to gain some insight on how your partner can be a part of the delivery process, we promise that this article is worth your time.
We know how overwhelming all the labor-related information-overload can be for new dads.
This is exactly the reason why we have gone ahead and split the information into two categories:
1) How to help your partner before labor
2) How to help your partner during labor
We have plenty of useful and practical tips for you, so let’s jump right in!
How To Help Your Partner Before Labor?
Contrary to popular belief, preparing for labor does not begin only when your partner starts experiencing contractions.
If you really want to have the situation under control, it is a great idea to start preparing ahead of time by following these strategies:
1) Take Childbirth Education Classes Together
Childbirth classes are the best way to educate yourself about the process of labor and delivery. Almost all hospitals offer childbirth education classes to couples.
If you are first-time parents, there is nothing wiser than investing your time in these classes.
Accompanying your partner to birthing classes will help you prepare yourself physically as well as emotionally for the birth of your little one.
If your hospital does not offer any in-house classes on childbirth, you can always ask your doctor to recommend some of the best courses offered around you or you can look up childbirth classes in your area online.
Nowadays, plenty of birth centers offer to coach and teach online as well.
Being an active part of these classes can help you get acquainted with labor and childbirth which will make things less daunting for all you expecting dads out there!
2) Map Out A Birth Plan With Your Partner
When it comes to being prepared, mapping out a practical and flexible birth plan with your partner is of utmost importance.
A birth plan essentially involves understanding the couple’s preferences and requirements when it comes to childbirth.
Sitting with your partner while she discusses her preferences is a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between both of you as well.
It is essential for you and your partner to be on the same page which is why we encourage you to have an open discussion with your partner about her expectations from you.
Once she is in labor, it may be difficult for her to express her requirements. If you are aware of her needs beforehand, you could step in during labor and make sure she has everything she requires.
In case things do not go as per the birth plan, it is your role to offer your partner plenty of emotional support and do what is best for the two of you as well as your baby.
3) Educate Yourself On Labor & Childbirth
No, the hilariously unrealistic childbirth scenes that you watch in sitcoms and romcoms are nowhere close to the real deal and do not count as an education!
When we say educate yourself, we are talking about books, documentaries, and real birth stories.
Of course, as every woman is unique, your partner’s childbirth story is going to be unique too! But it is always a smart idea to do your homework before time.
Scrolling through google desperately trying to understand the stages of labor while standing in a hospital is hardly a wise move!
Always make sure that you have done all your reading beforehand so that you can be aware of what your partner is experiencing in the delivery room at all times.
How To Help Your Partner During Labor
Trust us, childbirth is going to be the most defining moment of your life, dad! When your wife is in labor, you are going to play multiple roles.
With every passing moment, you will experience a variety of emotions ranging from anxiety to nervousness to pure elation and ultimately, joy and relief.
There are some ways in which you can be the ultimate birth partner and make this day memorable for both of you.
1) Be Her Biggest Cheerleader.
Remember all those times when your partner supported you when you had a big day at work and made sure she stood right by you when you needed her the most?
Now is your time to give her all the support and love in the world!
Let’s face it, childbirth is going to be a relatively painful experience for her.
However, it has been well-documented that when the partner constantly encourages the mum-to-be with positive affirmations, good vibes, and motivating words, it has a very positive effect on the process of childbirth.
Showing your partner that you admire her strength by saying simple things like “I am so proud of you” and “You can do this, I know you are capable and strong. You are doing a great job.” are wonderful ways of showing your partner that the two of you are a team and you are here to keep her safe and strong.
2) Track Her Contractions
Chances are your partner will be in a lot of pain during childbirth and will not be able to keep track of the duration of her contractions.
This is where you swoop in!
In fact, that are plenty of pregnancy apps that let you track contractions. We highly suggest getting accustomed to the app beforehand so that you are not struggling to figure out how it works.
Using a contraction tracker can also ensure that you reach the hospital exactly on time. Discuss with your doctor at what point they would like you to get your partner to the hospital.
Often, contractions occurring every 5 minutes and lasting for over half a minute is a good indication that you should head straight to the hospital without further delay.
Monitoring your partner’s contractions is a very important part of childbirth and is definitely something you should be doing!
3) Make Sure She Is Comfortable
Your partner is going to feel the urge to use the restroom frequently during labor. We encourage you to make sure that she uses the bathroom every hour and is comfortable while doing so.
It is also important to make sure she is getting plenty of fluids at regular intervals. Childbirth is a very tiring process for any mom-to-be and it is your duty to ensure that she is well-hydrated at all times.
Giving your partner little sips of water every few minutes is a great way to show your support.
If your partner is not queasy, it may also be a good idea to feed her some light snacks so that she does not feel weak at any point during the delivery.
Some women may find heating pads comforting while other women highly appreciate a cool compress.
Ask your partner what would comfort her at this stage of labor and ensure that she gets what she wants.
4) Massage, Pressure, & Positions
Touch in general can be very comforting for a woman in labor, especially when it comes from her partner.
You can kick it up a notch by learning some massaging techniques that have shown promise when it comes to easing the pain associated with childbirth.
Sometimes a woman may experience significant pain and pressure in her lower back region during labor. We encourage you to provide light counter pressure simply by placing your hands on her back and applying pressure.
Of course, discontinue this immediately if it causes any discomfort to your partner. Applying counter pressure in places like the back has been shown to provide pain relief during labor.
Certain positions are also very helpful in managing pain.
Your partner will be dependent on you when it comes to changing positions and moving.
Ensuring that you know about the various helpful positions is also a great way to show support to your partner and easing some of her pain.
5) Be A Calming Presence
Sometimes, your partner may need nothing more than your mere presence. Some women may not like to be massaged or fed during labor and that is okay!
Always remember, every childbirth is different.
Most women like being talked to during labor and it can serve as a wonderful distraction from all the pain and discomfort that she is undergoing.
When you speak to your partner, it is important to keep your tone calm and confident. Adopting a calm and composed demeanor can also have a positively soothing effect on your partner.
We get it, you may be feeling just as nervous, lost, and intimidated as her but it is important for you to stay relaxed right now!
We suggest learning a couple of breathing techniques that you can use to make sure you remain anxiety-free and calm throughout the process of childbirth.
You can also keep reminding your partner to use these breathing techniques so that she can have a calm mind as well!
Holding her hand throughout the process is also a brilliant way for the to-be mum and dad to stay calm, relaxed, and comfortable.
In conclusion, following our tips will ensure that you and your partner make the most out of this life-changing experience.
Never forget that the two of you have created a baby as a team which is no less than a miracle.
We know you are going to do a wonderful job by just being yourself when the big day finally arrives.
You got this, daddy!
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