Go to
childbirth
classes without griping, and get into the program
fully.
Watch those
birth videos
at least twice so you have some idea of what a newborn looks like immediately
following birth.
Keep the gas tank full
in the weeks and days before your baby’s due date.
Get as much sleep as
you can before heading to the hospital.
If you head for the hospital
in the middle of the night, pack a cooler with yogurt, nonacidic juices,
fruit, and bland types of food.
Be prepared for anything.
The birth of a new life is not like a strategically plotted project or game
plan.
During Labor:
Eat lightly during the
early stages of labor. You will need an energy reserve for
later.
Provide your partner
with distractions. Labor can be tedious, and you may spend hours waiting.
Be prepared to keep your partner occupied with music, conversation, card
games, and whatever she truly likes, even though she may seem
preoccupied.
Know how to give the
appropriate massage.
Mind your manners. During
times of stress, manners are the first things that go. Try not to let that
happen. All the staff in the room are there to help your partner, not to
make things difficult.
Be her advocate. Don’t
wait until your partner is in the throes of gut-wrenching contractions to
find out what kind of assistance she needs. Know and be able to articulate
her needs to the professional staff.
Grow a thick skin. Expect
a few do-it-and-die looks or sharp, verbal retorts. Don’t take it
personally. Your partner is focused on the pain in her body, not your or
anyone else’s feelings. Nod, smile, encourage, soothe, comfort. Do not
even think about getting your partner through it by humoring her or trying
to convince her to use reason or rational thought.
Stay calm no matter what
is happening. Take deep breaths. Take a few seconds to clear your head and
focus yourself. Ask the professional staff questions if you do not understand
what is happening. Transmit calm to your partner in whatever way you
can.
Know your limits. If
you are feeling overwhelmed by everything, take a breather. Step out of the
room for a moment. Everyone will benefit—you, your partner, and the
professional staff.
Say, "I love you. You
can do it. You’re doing a great job. You’re almost there. I know
it’s hard, but you can do it." Repeat all of the above over and
over.
