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Tips from Birthing Room Veterans

Before Labor:

• Go to childbirth classes without griping, and get into the program fully.
• Watch those birth videos at least twice so you have some idea of what a newborn looks like immediately following birth.
• Keep the gas tank full in the weeks and days before your baby’s due date.
• Get as much sleep as you can before heading to the hospital.
• If you head for the hospital in the middle of the night, pack a cooler with yogurt, nonacidic juices, fruit, and bland types of food.
• Be prepared for anything. The birth of a new life is not like a strategically plotted project or game plan.

During Labor:

• Eat lightly during the early stages of labor. You will need an energy reserve for later.
• Provide your partner with distractions. Labor can be tedious, and you may spend hours waiting. Be prepared to keep your partner occupied with music, conversation, card games, and whatever she truly likes, even though she may seem preoccupied.
• Know how to give the appropriate massage.
• Mind your manners. During times of stress, manners are the first things that go. Try not to let that happen. All the staff in the room are there to help your partner, not to make things difficult.
• Be her advocate. Don’t wait until your partner is in the throes of gut-wrenching contractions to find out what kind of assistance she needs. Know and be able to articulate her needs to the professional staff.
• Grow a thick skin. Expect a few do-it-and-die looks or sharp, verbal retorts. Don’t take it personally. Your partner is focused on the pain in her body, not your or anyone else’s feelings. Nod, smile, encourage, soothe, comfort. Do not even think about getting your partner through it by humoring her or trying to convince her to use reason or rational thought.
• Stay calm no matter what is happening. Take deep breaths. Take a few seconds to clear your head and focus yourself. Ask the professional staff questions if you do not understand what is happening. Transmit calm to your partner in whatever way you can.
• Know your limits. If you are feeling overwhelmed by everything, take a breather. Step out of the room for a moment. Everyone will benefit—you, your partner, and the professional staff.
• Say, "I love you. You can do it. You’re doing a great job. You’re almost there. I know it’s hard, but you can do it." Repeat all of the above over and over.

Pregnancy – August 2001
Dad’s Guide to the Birthing Room

Additional Tips For Dads:

How to make Mom more Comfortable During Pregnancy
Extra Tips from Daddy Boot Camp Veterans
Lessons innot being in Control