3 Tips For Dads During Labor And Delivery

Childbirth may be for women but men can actually play a very essential role in the process. But don’t freak out — we’re here to help you with these tips for dads during labor and delivery!

No matter your leading lady’s personality type, she wants to know that she is supported and that she has your full confidence in her ability to birth this baby. This is one of the most challenging and most important days of her life (if not the most!), and dad’s involvement can help to make it the best experience possible for her particular preferences and situation. Here are 3 tips for dads during labor and delivery so you can be exactly who she needs you to be on the best day of your lives!

We also have a new dad hospital bag list you should check out.

3 Tips For Dads During Labor And Delivery

Attend a Birth Class

One of the best tips for dads during labor and delivery actually happens several months before you even get to the hospital. A birth class is especially crucial if this is your first labor and delivery experience. It will be highly educational about the birth process, which will help you feel calm while she is in labor and crazy things are happening to her body and maybe freaking her out a little bit.

It’s also a time where you learn pain coping and relief techniques that you will be able to help her with when baby is on their way. Don’t show up to the birth totally clueless. Being informed and confident will help mom feel more at ease.

Be Present

Although labor can sometimes go on for hours, it is not the time to check up on emails and text with friends. You need to be in it with her! Observe the situation- how she is handling labor, how the medical professionals are responding- and try to gauge the most appropriate way to engage.

Every woman is different in what kind of support she prefers while laboring. Some women want to be left alone and others want to be coached through each contraction. Pick up on her signals and follow her lead. Even if she does want to labor independently, knowing that you are close by and attentive to her needs will bring her peace and security. Be attuned and ready to act at any moment that she might need you by her side.

Reassure Her

Every woman in labor experiences moments of self-doubt, where she begins to question if she can really do this. She may be anxious and become fearful that something is wrong with her or the baby. It starts to feel impossible and unlikely to her that the baby will ever come out!

Often times, women experience these feelings during the transition phase of labor and that means baby is very close to being born! She needs to be reassured and told that she is strong, that she is doing everything right, and that the baby is coming soon. If she says the words, “I can’t do this,” tell her, “You already are doing this, and you’re doing it perfectly.”

While the list of practical ways to help mom during labor could go on and on and also change depending on the woman, what matters most is that you walk into this parenthood journey together. Soon you will be holding your baby in your arms and you will be in awe of the miracle you were able to experience and witness!