Many new dads-to-be get nervous about the day baby finally gets here. In the moment, you’re liable to get confused and forgetful because you’re overcome with excitement and anxiety. It’s a good idea to prepare beforehand so you’re not at a loss when baby inevitably surprises you with her arrival!
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect and how to prepare for labor and delivery.
Getting to the hospital
It all starts with that exhilarating phrase: “It’s time!” You’ll need to act fast.
Call the doctor and let them know what’s happening. Continue to loop them in as you travel to and arrive at the hospital. To do this, obviously, you’ll need the doctor’s number and information on how to contact them, whether that’s texting a cell phone or calling an assistant.
Make sure your partner’s hospital bag is pre-packed and you know exactly where it is.
Make sure you know how to get to the hospital (preferably via several routes) and how long it takes. Know where to park and what door to enter to check in.
We’ve all seen the movies and TV shows where the woman in labor gives birth in the car during a traffic jam, right? This is an extremely rare occurrence. Don’t let your imagination run away with you; keep your cool, and know the plan ahead of time [1].
Managing bureaucracy
Hospitals aren’t known for their fun or glamor. Expect to fill out tons of forms. Have your and your partner’s driver’s licenses or IDs, have your insurance cards, and get ready for some paperwork. Be mentally prepared for the seemingly mundane and slow tasks that come with a hospital stay. You can always ask the doctor or hospital whether you can fill anything out ahead of time; this might save you some time and annoyance the day-of [1].
False alarms
Sometimes, you rush to the hospital and check in only to find that baby’s not coming yet. This can be frustrating after the tidal wave of adrenaline you just experienced. You or your partner may also feel relief, anger, or disappointment.
This is natural, so don’t panic or judge yourself or your partner for it. Stay calm and try not to focus on the frustration. You’re at the start of a race, not the end of it. Stay alert, rehearse the plan, and go home and get some rest if that's what the doctor advises.
The never-ending wait
So now it’s really here—great! But why’s it taking so long? Your partner may be in labor for hours or even a couple of days. The wait can be agonizing for you as well as for her. Depending on the hospital or on extenuating circumstances (hello, pandemic), you may not be allowed to stay with your partner for part of labor, which can make it even harder.
You thought it would be fast-paced, dramatic, and over in a couple of hours, right? The reality is less exciting. If this is your partner’s first baby, expect labor and delivery to take at least 14 hours. Be prepared for longer, even more than a full day. Decide ahead of time how you will spend this waiting period, and maybe practice some relaxation techniques to stay calm while you wait [1].
