Dads at the birth of their baby, what is (or should be) their role? Every dad and every family is different, and therefore they must define the dynamic that works best for them, but here we propose 6 ways to participate and get involved in the birth of your baby, an unforgettable moment that also belongs to you.
The father at the birth of the baby
Preparation is key: get informed or attend a pre-birth course with your partner.
If as a father you want to play an active role on the day of your baby's birth, it is important that this participation begins long before delivery. To do this, you should get information from reliable sources, attend prenatal check-ups with your partner and ideally take a course or do some kind of preparation for childbirth. This way, you will be able to acquire new tools to put into practice on the big day.
Check out the post Dads and Pregnancy: 4 Ways to Connect with Your Baby
Have a plan with your partner.
The day of birth can be very intense, with so many emotions at play! That's why it's a good idea to define an action plan with your partner, a guide that can of course vary depending on the circumstances. Take advantage of asking the mother what she expects from you that day, to have more clarity on how to support and accompany her, and to assign yourself certain tasks, for example organizing things to take to the hospital, doing the hospital/clinic paperwork, installing the baby seat in the car , etc.
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In the hours before, focus on mom.
During the hours leading up to the birth, whether vaginal or by cesarean, the support you give your partner will make all the difference in helping her feel calm and relaxed, and therefore begin labor in a good physical and emotional position. You can walk with her, ask her if she wants to listen to any special music, give her a massage to soothe her discomfort, or guide her with some type of breathing that relaxes both of you.
Be the bridge between the mother and the outside.
On the day of delivery, all the mother's energy and senses will be focused on the baby, which is why it is It's a good idea for you to take on the role of a bridge between her. or what is happening around her. This will free her from external worries. For example, you can be the person in charge of speaking with the medical team and making sure their decisions are respected, of updating family and friends, of updating them on their children (if they have more), etc. and above all of protecting their space and this intimate moment.
This birth is also yours.
During the birth, support your partner by holding his or her hand, supporting him or just staying by his or her side. You can watch or not, but always try to stay calm and transmit this to the mother. When the baby is born, enjoy it, because this birth is also yours. Also, many hospitals usually ask the father to cut the umbilical cord. Although the mother has the priority to make skin-to-skin contact, you also participate in this moment, and if the mother cannot do it for medical reasons, you can do it in her place.
Accompany the baby.
One of the main concerns of mothers when their babies are born is not to lose sight of them for even a second, but many times when checking on them they have to take them away for a few minutes, or for medical reasons they could take them to another room. If this is the case, and as long as conditions allow , you can accompany them. It is a good idea to have this conversation with your partner beforehand, but for many mothers the greatest relief is for the father to accompany the baby rather than staying with her.
