10 THINGS - What you could do during labour?
Get your game face on as your partner will need your support throughout the labour process.
1. Acknowledge what she needs and wants.
Make sure you and your partner have a birth plan. You will be the one in charge of reminding her while she is preoccupied.
2. Take care of yourself!
Shower and freshen yourself up for the big day. Make sure you have packed your own stuff and double check the luggage before going to the hospital. The most important items to bring are chargers, ipod/ipad or some device that plays MUSIC (most hospital have wireless internet) for you to stream your music. I downloaded the APP Songza (www.songza.com) for my ipad and streamed acoustic jams. It made the atmosphere more relaxing. I highly recommend you doing that or bring your own playlist. Also, remember to bring some comfortable clothes, shoes/sandals, and snacks for the long haul.
3. Mentally prepare yourself and be flexible!
Watch some YouTube videos with your partner and discuss scenarios prior to the big day. I watched a few videos on women giving birth. It mentally prepared myself on what to expect. Lets not faint infront of our partner now. *lol*
4. Gear yourself up for some hardwork.
Labour is usually a long process especially if its a natural vaginal birth. You could help your partner by massaging her hands, back and maybe even her feet. Your job would be helping her distract her from the pain and she will be relying on you heavily.
5. Be prepared for surprises.
Labour is unpredictable and you will need to mentally prepare for any scenario as a father. Neither you not your partner know what labour will be like, or what will help your partner (unless this is not your first time).
6. You are the KEY.
There will be lots of supportive and experienced people around you to help, you will be your partner`s most important support. Do whatever she asks you to do and don`t take offence when she yells at you. She`s in pain and you will need to take it like a man.
7. Know your Limits, Play within it.
Although you want to be super dad. Be aware of your limits during the process. Some things you may want the professionals to do if you are uncomfortable. (eg. catching your child when they come out, or cutting the umbilical cord, etc.) I had mentally prepared myself by watching those videos and I knew what to expect. I was able to watch the entire process and cut the umbilical cord.
8. Be prepared to take charge and don`t be SHY!
Only you and your partner know what you both want, but she may not be in the best condition to make those decisions. Be ready to step into action if the situation calls for it. If you feel uncomfortable with the doctors, you have the right to stop or say something. Remember, this is your birthing experience.
9. Be Supportive!
You may feel helpless at times, while your partner moans in pain, you could still emotionally support your partner by cheering her on. Let her know that you are PROUD, AMAZED, or telling her that she`s doing great or even letting her know that you see progress on the labour, etc. This is critical as you want her to know that you are there for her.
10. Be positive.
No matter what the outcome is. Not all births goes as plan. Its important to stay positive.
1. Acknowledge what she needs and wants.
Make sure you and your partner have a birth plan. You will be the one in charge of reminding her while she is preoccupied.
2. Take care of yourself!
Shower and freshen yourself up for the big day. Make sure you have packed your own stuff and double check the luggage before going to the hospital. The most important items to bring are chargers, ipod/ipad or some device that plays MUSIC (most hospital have wireless internet) for you to stream your music. I downloaded the APP Songza (www.songza.com) for my ipad and streamed acoustic jams. It made the atmosphere more relaxing. I highly recommend you doing that or bring your own playlist. Also, remember to bring some comfortable clothes, shoes/sandals, and snacks for the long haul.
3. Mentally prepare yourself and be flexible!
Watch some YouTube videos with your partner and discuss scenarios prior to the big day. I watched a few videos on women giving birth. It mentally prepared myself on what to expect. Lets not faint infront of our partner now. *lol*
4. Gear yourself up for some hardwork.
Labour is usually a long process especially if its a natural vaginal birth. You could help your partner by massaging her hands, back and maybe even her feet. Your job would be helping her distract her from the pain and she will be relying on you heavily.
5. Be prepared for surprises.
Labour is unpredictable and you will need to mentally prepare for any scenario as a father. Neither you not your partner know what labour will be like, or what will help your partner (unless this is not your first time).
6. You are the KEY.
There will be lots of supportive and experienced people around you to help, you will be your partner`s most important support. Do whatever she asks you to do and don`t take offence when she yells at you. She`s in pain and you will need to take it like a man.
7. Know your Limits, Play within it.
Although you want to be super dad. Be aware of your limits during the process. Some things you may want the professionals to do if you are uncomfortable. (eg. catching your child when they come out, or cutting the umbilical cord, etc.) I had mentally prepared myself by watching those videos and I knew what to expect. I was able to watch the entire process and cut the umbilical cord.
8. Be prepared to take charge and don`t be SHY!
Only you and your partner know what you both want, but she may not be in the best condition to make those decisions. Be ready to step into action if the situation calls for it. If you feel uncomfortable with the doctors, you have the right to stop or say something. Remember, this is your birthing experience.
9. Be Supportive!
You may feel helpless at times, while your partner moans in pain, you could still emotionally support your partner by cheering her on. Let her know that you are PROUD, AMAZED, or telling her that she`s doing great or even letting her know that you see progress on the labour, etc. This is critical as you want her to know that you are there for her.
10. Be positive.
No matter what the outcome is. Not all births goes as plan. Its important to stay positive.
