Check your community center or park district. Ask your doctor. Contact a nearby college or university. Look for a class online.
For Her: Oil for massage, but be cautious with scents A gown, slippers, and robe if she prefers them to hospital clothes Rolling pin or camper’s ice for pressure and cold on lower back Warm socks Relaxing music Personal focal point (a picture, flowers, a figurine) for her to focus on during contractions Favorite juice or electrolyte-balanced beverage (such as Gatorade) in a cooler Cosmetics Toiletries Her favorite snacks Nursing bras Money for incidentals Going-home clothing (which should still be maternity clothing) For you: Copy of the Birth Plan Watch with a second hand Grooming supplies (toothbrush, breath freshener, deodorant, shaver) Snacks and beverages (consider you wife may be very sensitive to the smell of your breath) Change of clothes Swimsuit so you can accompany the mother in the shower Paper and pencil Reading materials, or handwork, for slow times when the mother does not need your help Phone numbers of people to call during or after labor Camera (still or video) For the baby: Diapers, Receiving blanket Underclothing Outerwear (hat, warm clothes) Crib-sized blanket Car seat For the trip to the hospital: Full tank of gas Blanket and pillow in the car [5] X Research source
Make these decisions with your wife. Make a birth partner plan for yourself. You enable yourself then to also avoid mishaps in planning the quickest route, avoiding getting lost, and getting a feeling for the path you’ll take. Consult with your doctor while creating your birth plan. There are many pre-made plans available online, but they are of dubious quality. It’s best to plan this with your doctor.
S – Support emotionally. Giving emotional support is crucial during labor. Listen actively, validate her emotions, ask questions, and reassure your wife to help her feel more comfortable. U – Urination, at least once an hour. Remind her to go to the bathroom. This will get her moving, which can aid during these stages. P – Position changes, often. P – Praise and encouragement, not sympathy, is needed to help her get through this. O – Out of bed (walk/shower) is better than laying down. R – Relaxation is key. T – Touch: pressure and massage.
Do not abandon your wife in the later stages of labor if you do not have to. In some places, though not in the U. S. , fathers are not allowed in the delivery room. If the mother is having an emergency cesarean under general anesthesia, then you will need to leave the delivery room.
Signs of baby blues: Mood swings Anxiety Sadness Irritability Feeling overwhelmed Crying Reduced concentration Appetite problems Trouble sleeping Signs of postpartum depression: Depression or severe mood swings Excessive crying Difficulty bonding with the baby Withdrawing from family and friends Loss of appetite or sudden, excessive eating Insomnia or hypersomnia (lack of sleep or excessive sleep) Overwhelming fatigue Intense irritability and anger Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions[11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Try to be as involved with the baby as possible. The mother shouldn’t be the only one getting up with the baby all night – you should also be present.
