The Definitive Guide to Dad’s and The Baby Delivery Room

Delivery day is approaching and you’re already thinking about what fun baby clothes you’ve been scouting from a baby boutique like Bitsy Bug Boutique, or cuddling up with your new bitsy. But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let’s back up a couple steps and talk about first getting through the delivery room in one piece. An expecting mom obviously (obviously!!) has an important role when it comes to the birth of their child. However, dads may not know just how valuable they can be in the delivery room. While they may think they take a back seat during the birthing process, they should be up in the driver’s seat, right with you! Here is the definitive guide to dads and the delivery room, and how he can help you though delivery day!

He Can Be an Advocate

You have a delivery plan, right? Make sure your partner knows this! I remember talking to my delivery nurse about my plan of action, and my husband smirked in amazement at my meticulous wishes. Silly me! I never brought him up to speed and he never even heard of a birthing plan before.  I was so wrapped up in what I wanted, I never stopped to think about what he may have wanted or how he could make sure I clearly communicate my wants and needs (if and when my pain took over).

Be sure to keep him current with your maternity wishes in regard to an epidural, skin to skin contact after delivery, nursing or bottle feeding, and even labor preferences (walking around, access to an exercise ball, various stretches, a birthing tub).

Think he’s going to forget what you want in the heat of the moment? There’s no reason why you can’t type up a hard copy for him to have in his back pocket so he can whip it out on a moment’s notice. This is especially helpful if your nurses are switching shifts (or even doctors for that matter).

He Can Take Your Mind Off Pain

Before you go into labor, discuss how he can play a role in your pain reduction. In an effort to take your mind off contractions, voice what you want him to do. Do you want him to hold your hand? Give you a massage? Make you laugh? Maybe you just want him out of the room! Regardless you should keep in mind he’s an extra person on your “team” that can really help you through your labor journey.

He Can Be a Bouncer

Is your mother pestering you to be in the labor and delivery room? Maybe your mother in law wants in too. The bottom line is that if it’s not ok with you, it’s your say. I understand this can be a tricky situation because you don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. This is where you utilize your husband and make him play bouncer. While they may get to be in the room for a brief amount of time, leave it up to your hubby to escort them out when all the action is about to go down!

He’s Your Rock In Worst Case Scenarios

No one wants to think about worst case scenarios, but they can happen. Before you step foot in the hospital, be clear about your delivery wishes. If you are dead set on not having a C-section, make sure your partner knows this so he can advocate for you, as long as you or the baby is not in immediate danger.

If you both don’t agree with getting induced, he’ll be there to help you tell the doctor no so you don’t have to do it alone or get swayed into something you truly don’t want to happen.

Sometimes, before leaving for the hospital, it’s important (but extremely difficult) to have conversations about major complications (such as the passing of yourself or baby during birth). Make sure all kinds of banking documents are in place, insurance statements are set out, and you have an open and honest conversation about wishes for how your baby should be raised. No one likes to think about this horrid thought, but by preparing for the worst, your mind can be placed at ease.

A husband usually doesn’t realize just how powerful his role can be in the hospital. While he’s certainly nervous and overwhelmed, he’s not consumed by pain and placed on various medications and anesthesia, so he can remain conscious and level headed. Use him-he’s there! He’ll feel so much more helpful and important knowing he has a definitive role to play while you do all the hard work! Consider the points above so you can initiate a conversation with your husband and so that your birthing experience is just what you wanted, no matter how or when it happens!