What is a Dad’s Role during Mom’s Labor and Delivery?
There have been many comical displays of to-be-fathers standing around lousily while their wives screamed in pain during labor, or expectant dads pacing around nervously in the waiting hall while their female partners were in the delivery room. In real life, how does a man involve himself in his female partner’s labor and birthing? What is the ideal setting for the ideal dad-to-be?
A dad’s role begins during pregnancy, and not while the baby is coming out of his partner’s birth canal. Here are some tips to help any expectant father to really be involved in the life-changing event that is pregnancy, labor and delivery.
- Join birth classes. If you’re squeamish about seeing the doctor examine your female partner, at least be with her when she goes to birthing classes. These are good ways you can understand what’s happening within your partner’s body, and how your baby is developing. It can also help you set expectations for the big day, and allow you to decide how actively you’d like to participate. In short, you get to choose whether you’d like to be “birthing coach dad” or “waiting room dad”.
- File for a paternity leave. There is nothing worse than a dad who has to work while his wife goes into labor. Know when your partner is due, and request for a leave then. This is important because you may need to drive her to the hospital, and help her get settled as she may not be able to do things for herself at this point.
- Take the blow. When she goes into active labor, she may turn into the monster you never thought you’d meet. That’s because of the hormones and the pain, and it has nothing to do with you. So if she screams at you and calls you a pig, take it easy and remember she doesn’t mean it. Keep holding her hand and let her squeeze it as much as she likes.
- Think fast. Anticipate her needs. Does she want a backrub? Does she need more ice chips? This greatly calms her down, knowing she can rely on someone.
- Be her birthing coach. You’re a very important person to her and the baby, so in a room full of people and strange faces, you’re the familiar face she is most likely to listen to when being instructed to pant, blow and push. Just make sure you’re coaching her based on doctor’s instructions.
Read more of our articles on labor and delivery
Labor and Delivery - Where Would You Like to Give Birth?
Common Signs for Labor and Delivery
Labor and Delivery - Last Minute Planning and Organization
Laws on Labor and Giving Birth in the USA
Pain Management During Labor
Recognizing True from False Labor
What are the Reasons for Inducing Labor
What is a Birth Plan?
What To Do When The Water Breaks
Recognizing Braxton - Hicks Contractions
Touring the Delivery Room: What to Expect
Have a Musical Labor: Sounds That Soothe
Who Should Be Present in the Delivery Room?
Factors to Consider When Setting the Environment for Labor and Delivery
What is a Dad’s Role during Mom’s Labor and Delivery?
Is Eating Really Discouraged While in Labor?
Using Guided Imagery during Labor and Delivery
This is It: Recognizing The True Signs of Labor
Packing Your Hospital Delivery Bag
Birth Trauma: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
When Your Newborn and You aren’t In Love at First Sight
Myths of Natural Labor Inducing Substances
|
