A First-Time Dad’s Guide to Childbirth
Dad’s Must Haves
Mom will have read every pre-delivery book so she’ll have the essentials packed but Dad needs: a laptop (most hospitals have wireless internet and it’s a great way to get pictures out quickly) and the basic pain reliever (your pain won’t compare to Mom’s but you will hurt). Don’t over pack because you’re going to be moving from room to room and you will be moving the luggage.
Checking Into the Hospital
Assuming that Mom is not being wheeled into the delivery room in a “water breaking, heart pounding” situation, it is much like checking into a hotel. There is a front desk, a receptionist, and the need to sign your name on documents you probably won’t read.
The Delivery Room
A few things become apparent:
- There are a lot of medical devices that you’ve never seen before, such as monitors for Mom and Baby, lots of tubes, tools, etc.
- You are not an innocent bystander in this process. As the nurse begins to go over the details of what’s about to happen, the phrase “Dad will do….” is said a lot.
- The hospital did not have comfort in mind when purchasing the guest “furniture” (lying on a bed of nickels comes to mind). Remember the pain reliever? Take as directed starting now.
The Water Break
The water breaking process is important because it generally gets overlooked in the category of “what will make Dad pass out”. Most of you have seen the birthing video but don’t be surprised if the water breaking causes you to grab your ankles for a few deep breaths.
Labor
The nurses and doctors are in and out but you will be helping with pushing, supplying ice chips and offering comfort for Mom. If your mother-in-law (or other “expectant mom approved” person) wants to be in the room…LET HER! You may need a breather and it never hurts to have another experienced person in the room.
Delivery Curveballs
If the labor doesn’t progress as expected, the doctor may decide it’s time for a c-section and things start happening fast. One minute you’re telling Mom to push, the next minute you’re being handed scrubs and being told to pack your stuff.
Once inside the operating room, you’ll be placed at the head of the bed and most importantly, behind the curtain. If you want to see the little guy come out, you can but enter at your own risk as you will see things usually reserved for medical journals (this would be #1 on the list of “what will make Dad pass out”).
Recovery
Whether Mom has delivered via birth canal or C-section, she will be sore and tired so you will be handling a lot of duties. If the nurse offers to take the baby to the nursery, let her. First time parents can feel guilty about this but you will both need some well-deserved sleep.
