Dad’s Guide: How To Support Your Wife During Labour

The countdown to the big day is on, and you're gearing up to bag ‘the best husband in a supportive role during labour’ title. Feels like it was just a couple of days back that your wife announced the news and now, here you are, getting ready to put on your invisible superhero cape and do your best to make the most crucial part of the pregnancy easy, memorable, and hassle-free for your partner. 

From keeping track of their partner’s meals and medication to accompanying them for their medical appointments and tests, fathers have a very important role to play throughout the pregnancy journey and one of the most important parts of this journey is when your wife goes into labour. It’s practically that point where you know that you would be holding your little one in your arms any moment. And this is when your wife needs you the most. Read for more. 

Tips To Be A Supportive Partner:

Educate, Navigate & Plan Ahead 

There are 2 things that will help you to help your partner better - Knowledge and preparedness. If this is your first time, it is even more important because every pregnancy journey is different and even if you've heard countless anecdotes from your friends, you never really know what to expect. Read books, go through blogs and watch videos, basically gather as much information as possible from reliable sources. 

It is important to know the basics of labour support and delivery, which includes recognizing signs of labour, management of labour pain without medication, learning about different birthing positions, getting familiar with different birthing procedures, etc,  to be able to help your partner. The more you know, the more prepared you are. 

Make Arrangements

As mentioned you never really know when the labour might start. It can happen around peak traffic hours or half past 2 at night so you need to have a plan of action. If you are driving yourself, make sure that your car is always fueled up. Navigate and see if there is any faster route that you can use. When you accompany your partner for her checkups confirm parking availability. Enquire about all the facilities available in your delivery package so that you can make arrangements accordingly. 

Keep The Hospital Bag Ready

Help your partner pack the hospital bag so that you know where you need to look for stuff in times of need. Cross-check to make sure that all the necessary items have been packed. These include important documents and identity proofs, baby clothes, diapers, baby powder, lotion, a baby blanket, extra pairs of clothes for you and your partner, toiletries, a comfy pair of shoes, room slippers, ice packs & a hot water bottle to relieve pain, energy bars, and snacks. When the time comes, make sure you do not forget to put in important gadgets like chargers and battery banks. 

Ensure A Peaceful Environment

Labour can be very intense and highly stressful for the mother. It is important to make sure that she is peaceful and at ease. You can always choose to disclose the news to your family and friends after the baby arrives or at least convey that you won’t be able to answer calls or texts for some time so that you can completely focus on your partner. Also, when she is in the labour room, make sure that you set a very peaceful tone. Keep your pitch low and speak calmly. You may also want to keep your phone on vibration. It helps. 

Stay in the loop

Make sure that you are always in the loop, right from the beginning. The best way to do it is by asking questions. If you have any queries or concerns related to the birthing procedure, risks, complications etc, ask the doctors. Also ask for time to time updates on how the labour is progressing. If your partner has any concerns, make sure that these are addressed as well. Lack of information can lead to stress and you definitely don’t want that. 

Encourage Her

At this point, your partner needs a lot of motivation & encouragement, and who can do it better than you? Hold her hand and let her know how much she means to you and how important all this is for you both. Use positive words and phrases like “I believe in you”, “I know you can do it”, “You are very strong” etc. Also, you can ask questions like "How are you doing?”, “Are you feeling any better?”, “do you need something”, “What can I do to make you feel better” etc, to ensure she has everything she needs and to understand her preference. 

Focus On Yourself Too

As important it is to take care of your partner, it is equally important to take care of yourself as well. Afterall, how will you be able to help her if you are not functioning optimally? In order to be her pillar of strength, you have to find your strength first. Try to be calm and relax. Save some of that affirmation for yourself too and be patient. The process can take time, so, as long as it lasts, make it worth the while.

Do let us know if you found this blog useful and share with a friend who is about to become a dad soon.