You think you're ready to go into the delivery room, but you're not. You think you know about the delivery room, but you don't.

Sitting through an episode of A Baby Story on TLC doesn't really count. After all, those types of programs have been edited for television. Oh man, have they been edited for television.

You've also been to a few childbirth classes and probably felt foolish practicing those breathing exercises. Undoubtedly, you've been to a few doctor's appointments and watched as your partner put her feet up in stirrups and got examined thoroughly. You've seen ultrasounds and heard heartbeats. You've been there every step of the way so far. Good for you. However, the biggest steps are yet to come.

As that due date gets closer, it can feel like the delivery room is waiting for you in much the same way that the Temple of Doom was waiting for Indiana Jones. Here's the thing, though – your partner is counting on you to be there for her. While you know that yours will be a supporting role rather than a starring one, it will be integral and you need to be ready to play it. But how can you ever really be ready to stand helplessly by as your partner goes through so much, emotionally and physically?

Content on this site is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical question or condition. Reliance on information presented on this site is at your own risk. This site contains the opinions and views of other users. Given the interactive nature of this site, we cannot endorse, guarantee, or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy, or veracity of any content generated by our users.