Tips for New Dads in the Delivery Room

Remain Calm

This is the most important piece of information that I can give you. It’s likely that you are about to watch the love of your life endure sheer and seemingly unending pain. You will also watch a live human exit her body. That might be challenging for you. Through it all, though, you must maintain your composure. If you stay calm, you can help her – to some degree – understand that everything is going to be okay, no matter how much pain she’s in.

Handle the Issues

There may be decisions that need to be made and you, the one who is not giving birth to a child, will be asked to answer questions and help make decisions. Be prepared and be decisive. Don’t expect her to be in the right mindset to contribute.

She Will Be Exposed

This might be a toughie for some guys. Your wife’s private parts will likely be on display for anyone in the room to see. But remember – this is a medical situation, not a voyeuristic one.

Your Wife is Not Herself

In the midst of an agonizing labor, your wife might say things to you that she doesn’t mean. Or she might mean them, but usually wouldn’t express them in such a way. If you hear something that would normally spark a fight, refrain. Take a deep breath. Give her some space, man. After all, she’s bringing a living, breathing, screaming child into the world. Your hurt feelings can wait.

Be Her Rock

If you’ve worked on breathing or stretching exercises in preparation for this moment, as the labor progresses, guide her back to those exercises. No matter what is going on, be there for her. Don’t check your phone. Don’t leave the room – unless she needs you to. Don’t lose focus. This is a moment that you and your wife will want to share and remember for the rest of your days. Give her your full and undivided attention.

You Must Remember

Your wife will be focused on giving birth. That is her job. Your job is to support her and remember everything else. If you want the moment captured on video, it’s your responsibility. If you want to have some memento from the occasion, it’s your responsibility. If she wants to remind the doctor about something important during the delivery, help her to remember. Create a checklist if you’re afraid that you’ll forget.

Steady Hand

It’s likely that the doctor will ask if you want to cut the umbilical cord. It’s a special moment for many fathers and you need to be aware that it’s on the horizon. Take pride in that moment and savor it.

Prepare for Your Mother-in-Law

This is not necessarily a bad thing, despite the stereotype. It’s likely that your mother-in-law will be in the delivery room for the birth or at least one of the first people in the room immediately afterwards. Discuss with your wife beforehand about the boundaries, if any, that you want to establish. Remember that this is a major milestone for your mother-in-law, too, and it’s a rite of passage for mother and daughter.

Be accepting, be gracious and know that your mother-in-law may be a rock for you, your wife, and child in the coming days and weeks when you pledge the parenthood fraternity and are existing on little to no sleep.