Preparing The New Father For Labour And Birth

“It is much easier to become a father than to be one.”

- Fiona Mosca

There may be very little that you can do to prepare yourself for fatherhood in general, but there certainly are many ways in which you can prepare for the big day. We all know that dads can play an important role in the birth of their babies, but figuring out exactly how they can support the mom-to-be during pregnancy and labour can be a challenge.

If you are expecting your first baby, the months and weeks preceding the birth of your new bundle can be riddled with uncertainty, fear and anxiety, especially for your pregnant partner. This is the perfect time to take a certain amount of control and set her mind at ease. If she knows that you are going to be by her side all the way, she is bound to be far more content and you are also likely to be more prepared.

Here Are A Few Ways In Which Fathers Can Get Involved And Prepared:

• Attend prenatal appointments – Your partner’s healthcare provider is by far your best source for information pertaining to birthing. There is a wealth of information for dads to remember or write down and you can even help by asking some questions you might have.

• Know the route – Know the hospital route from your home and any other place your partner regularly frequents en-route to your hospital of choice. Keep up-to-date with road works and any traffic closings, and always have a full tank of petrol in the car.

• Prepare a birth plan – A birth plan is an outline of your partner’s preferred events during childbirth. Help your mom-to-be prepare her birth plan or, at least, familiarise yourself with its contents so that you can advocate for her in case of any unforeseen circumstances.