- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- pregnancy today articles
- pregnancy today q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Dads and Delivery
A Labor Support Cheat Sheet for Fathers
By Kelly Camden, Certified Doula
If you are gearing up for a new baby, you may be wondering what to do during the labor and birth. Get the low-down on labor support here! The following tips are sure to help when the big day arrives.
Breathing
Many parents ask for instruction on how to breathe during labor. Slow, deep breathing works very well for most of labor. It's great for dads, too! Your partner may want you to breathe with her or to simply remind her to take slow, deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth. As labor progresses, she will naturally increase the pace. If she begins to feel anxious or panicky, stay close by, look into her eyes and breathe together. Waiting on Mom
A laboring woman usually reaches a point where she appreciates assistance with meeting her own basic needs. She may need help getting to the bathroom or want you to stay with her during a contraction on the toilet. She will also need help with staying hydrated. (The nurse can show you where the drink station is located.) Offer her a drink or ice chips between contractions. When contractions become strong and regular, the mom-to-be often becomes hot and sometimes feels nauseous. Therefore, you may want to look for washcloths and two emesis basins, just in case. Waiting for Baby
Turn down the lights and turn off the television. Enjoy being present for this last bit of pregnancy and the few hours that are left before you meet your baby. Hold hands, go for a walk, slow dance, rub her back and hold her in the shower. Want to see more?
Comments
There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to 
|
Post As:
|
||
| Enter your comment below: | ||
| Title | ||
| Comment Text | ||
| CAPTCHA | ||
| Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection. | ||
