Believe or not, dads play a major role when it comes to labor and delivery. That’s why it’s important to know how dads can support their partner during labor. Yes, your wife is the rock star here, but you are the supporting role which is also very important. When your wife is in labor a lot of things goes on, having you present and supporting her during the birth of your child is amazing.
So how can dads help their wife during labor?Well is simple really, just be there for her and follow her lead! Don’t worry and know that you’re going to be an amazing labor coach to your wife.
What should a dad bring to delivery?
I have an entire blog post on what dads should pack in their own hospital bag! But make sure you are wearing comfortable clothes and shows. Bring snacks, book to read and toiletries must haves.
What dads should not do during labor?
Dad just make sure you do not invite people to the hospital until your wife has given birth and you both have discussed the list of people that you want to invite. Also, do not be stressed or in a negative energy as this can effect your wife. Don’t be distracted with social media or texting while your wife is literally pushing your baby out.
Here are the 25 easy, powerful and phenomenal ways dads can support their partner during labor. This advice is crucial in order to help your wife get through labor as easily as possible. This is the list of things on how to support your partner during labor!
25 Phenomenal ways dads to be can support their partner during labor
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure here.
1.Take a prenatal class
Do you want to be informed and feel confident in everything that could go on during the birth of your child? Then, taking a childbirth education class is something that you both need to do together. Don’t have time with your busy schedule? Great! This is an online prenatal class making it easy and convenient to get the vital childbirth information you both need to feel calm and for mama to have the best birthing experience!
2. Time her contractions
My hubby timed my contractions for both of my pregnancies. I felt relieved that he was helping me and of course happy! During the early stages of labor help her to time contractions and decide whether or not it’s time to head to the hospital. You are her support person so during every painful contraction help her take deep breaths in and out to relief the pain.
Related article:
The Ultimate hospital bag checklist for dads
15 Things That Happens During Labor That Nobody Tells You About
3.Hold her hands
When your wife is having those painful contractions you may want to hold her hands (if she lets you!). Tell her it’s okay, to breathe and just support her! Be aware, she might squeeze your hands tightly! You can also help her with position changes by helping rotate her body from left to right, helping her sit up or lay down. Dads-to-be are the biggest advocate for their wives. You are her voice right now.
4.Do not get offended
If your wife starts squeezing your hands, maybe giving you attitude or is annoyed by you. Do not take this the wrong way. Do not get offended by this. Giving birth is hella painful and scary and so these reactions are totally normal. This is how she is coping with the pain.
5.Practice breathing exercises
While you’re waiting for labor to start or if labor has started already. You may want to practice some breathing techniques with her. This will ease the contraction pains and overall make her feel relaxed.
If you want to learn more about the different types of breathing techniques during birth, read here!
6.Distract her
Sometimes it may take a while for the active labor to start. So, while you both wait, how about putting on a show to watch on t.v. Strike up a conversation with her and make her laugh. Praise her by saying words of encouragement and how amazing she is doing so far.
Related article:
11 important things you really shouldn’t do after giving birth
7.Give her a massage
You know how dads can support mom during labor? How giving her an awesome massage? I love them and so will your wife! Giving your partner a back and foot massage can help relief labor pains. Massages can also help her relax and release any body tensions she may have. This handheld massager is a great option!
8. Tell her she’s doing a great job
Birth partners play a major role in the birth experience of their partner’s birth. Don’t be afraid to tell her that’s she’s rocking this whole labor thing! It will encourage her to keep on pushing through those contractions. Be her support system and tell her she’s doing a great job!
You can read these birth affirmations in order to empower and comfort her during this time.
9. Encourage her
If you see that your wife is giving up on pushing (I almost did) tell her to push one more time. Tell her that the baby is so close to coming out, this will give her an extra push to push! Encourage mom-to-be all the way.
If your partner is planning on breastfeeding. Taking this online breastfeeding class will help her breastfeed like a pro, know everything she needs to have a blissful experience. Sign Up here!
10.Make sure she’s in a calm state
The labor and delivery room can sometimes get a little chaotic, with nurses coming in and out. Give her that calm and peace that she needs at this moment. Play a calming song, ask her what you can do for her and provide a peaceful and relaxing environment.
Related article:
9 things first time moms should know about newborns
11. Play music in the background
If your wife has a labor playlist, by all means play it to her! Put it on and listen to it. This is going to help her get ready for the birth of your child. By either making her feel pump or by calming her and release the stress that comes with childbirth. (depends on the type of songs she has on her playlist)
12. Make sure older kids are taken care of
If you have older kids, be in charge of calling the person in charge of taking care of them while you’re both in the hospital. Have things ready in order for your wife to not stress over it.
Related articles:
8 fun books that teach your toddler about new baby
5 important ways to prevent jealousy between your toddler and new baby
13.Take pictures at the right time
You may want to capture this very special moment! Make sure you take the pictures at the right angles (don’t show too much) and enjoy this moment! You’re both going to look back at the pictures and be amazed by how a simple picture can capture so much!
14.Ask the doctor questions
If you have any questions or concerns about your wife, simply ask her doctor or doula. You may notice things that your wife is not noticing, maybe her feet got more swollen, maybe she’s acting a little different or whatever it is. Do not be shy!
15. Pay attention to her vitals
Another great way dads can help during labor and delivery is to keep an eye out on her vitals! Make sure her blood pressure is stable and your baby’s heart beat as well. Even though the wonderful nurses at your hospital are already checking on this. You can be that extra eye for your wife!
16.Do not look at her during contractions
I laugh at this. But coming from a mother who has experienced painful contractions. It may not be a smart idea to just stare at her while she’s experiencing them. Look away or stare at the floor or something! Or you’ll be screamed at.
17.Take a Walk
If your wife is not in active labor yet and it’s okay for her to stand up and walk. Then walk around the hospital hallways. This will help speed up labor and it also serves as a distraction for her.
18.Don’t be nervous
Yes, there’s a lot of things that goes on before, during and after labor. Do not be nervous! Try to relax and remember that your wife needs you. You need to be her calmness in this crazy wonderful storm.
19.Things can get messy
Oh boy, can it! Not really messy but you’re going to see a lot of blood, you’re going to also watch how the placenta comes out, how your wife may get an episiotomy (ouch!) and also your wife may have a bowel movement! Yes dad! Expect this and be prepare to not put on a disgusted face 🙂
Oh, my hubby almost fainted when I gave birth to our first daughter vaginally. Things happen 🙂
20. Be prepared to leave the room
If your wife opted to have an epidural(pain saver for me!) you are going to be asked to wait outside of the room until the epidural has been administered. Also, if your wife is having a C-section, you’re going to be asked to wait outside (while you’ll be putting on your scrubs) until they have prepped everything.
21.Make her feel special
Totally make your wife feel special after giving birth. Tell her how proud you are of her. You can write her a cute note and give her flowers and balloons!
22. Call relatives and friends
Make sure to call family and friends letting them know about your baby’s arrival. This is such an amazing and beautiful time of your life that you really should share it with your close family and friends.
Quick note! Decide whether or not you both want visitors come over to the hospital. Limit your hospital visitors in order to ensure a peaceful recovery time for your wife.
23. Take her real food
Oh gosh! After giving birth, your wife is going to be very very hungry! Yes hospital food is okay and will be offered to her. But how about you go that extra mile and take her some real food! Of course if her doctor gives you the okay to do so 🙂
24. Take care of important things
Making sure your baby’s birth certificate is correct is a great way to show support to your wife. If you can fill it out even better (of course while discussing everything with her first). Have the car seat ready and installed in the car and stock up on those “free” baby items that the hospital offers 🙂
25. Enjoy this life changing moment
You’re going to be a dad!! How exciting!! Enjoy this momentous time of your life needs to be framed! Enjoy the birth of your child and bond with your baby. Know that your life has changed forever, but in the most positive and beautiful way. Yes, you and your wife made this precious baby. You rocked!
I hope you enjoyed these simple tips to help dads support their partner during labor. It’s always a great idea to be ready and informed that way your wife feels comfortable and ease.
Giving birth is no joke, I know many dads feel nervous and have no clue of what to do. The more you know the better, the more you are involved during the different stages of labor the better because your wife needs you to be.
Your wife wants to feel that you support her, that you’re rooting her on and that you present, in the moment. I know you’re going to be the best labor coach your wife can ask for. Don’t forget to enjoy this moment, the birth of your child is magical 🙂
My recommendations for moms!
Milkology– A fantastic class about breastfeeding. Learning how to ensure you have a happy and stress free breastfeeding experience.
Baby Prep Workbook- An extremely helpful guide on the important things that you need to be prepared and ready before your baby arrives!
Couples prenatal class– Get valuable childbirth information right from the comfort of your home. Convenient and a spectacular way to bond with your partner.
