Labour tips for dads-to-be

Don’t worry, champ – we'll get you through it

Stay calm:
 Due dates are an estimate at best and going past them is not a cause for alarm. Just keep your doctor informed.

Tip for him: Be mindful that anxiety will not induce labour, but gentle encouragement, humour, sex, acupuncture, a brisk walk and a good cry may.

Be supportive:
 Adequate support during labour can reduce the need for medical intervention and that support begins with the very first contraction. 

Tip for him: “Resting is essential in early labour to conserve the energy required for active labour. Be gentle, keep her calm and offer her water between contractions,” says Lauren Horton, doula (labour coach) at Singingbird Birth Support.

 Encourage breathing: 
First-time mums fear the unknown and second-time mums fear the known.

Tip for him: “The best way for her to stay present is to focus on her breath. Encourage her to repeat ‘let’ as she inhales and ‘go’ as she exhales,” says Mardi Bell, director of Yogaways.

Think massage
: During active labour, when contractions come every two to three minutes and last for 60 to 90 seconds, movement is encouraged in the form of swaying, squatting or walking. Some women can also get relief from firm massage on the arms, back and thighs.

Tip for him: When it comes to massage, don’t be concerned with fancy techniques – but keep in mind you may be doing it for hours at a time. If she doesn’t want to be touched, stay close and offer encouragement.



Accept the process
: Regardless of your birth plan, there are some circumstances where intervention is necessary and accepting it can be challenging. However, intervention can sometimes help you achieve a natural birth.

Tip for him: Proud new dad Tim Coulson says: “We hoped for a drug-free labour, but when we realised my wife was regressing, we accepted our midwife’s recommendations for an epidural. My baby was born eight hours later and I exploded with love.”

Don’t take it personally
: Transition is when the cervix is nearing full dilation and the contractions are close together. Often women in transition will display an array of emotions – despair, sadness, confusion, fear and anger – often directed towards you. Never take it personally. 



Tip for him: “Stay with her even if she tells you to leave. Use loving words, remind her she will be holding her baby soon and breathe with her,” Lisa Richards, a midwife at 
Bella Birthing, says. 



Boost her confidence: 
If she begins to doubt herself and her ability, acknowledge how difficult the task of labour is and that she is succeeding.

Tip for him: If you see she is losing confidence, look her in the eye and say, “You can and are doing it.”

Source: Body and Soul

Please share