Dads: How NOT to assist during pregnancy, labor and delivery

For Dads: How NOT to assist during pregnancy and beyond

Dads contribute half of the chromosomes required to form a baby but what are the other ways he can assist his partner during pregnancy, labor and delivery? Short of actually delivering the baby like NBA player Iman Shumpert, click Start Gallery to avoid fouling out before the baby's even born.

Think that morning sickness only happens in the morning

The experts got the name wrong. Many women who experience morning sickness can feel nauseated the whole day, especially during the first trimester. Notice if there are particular smells or certain food that trigger nausea and vomiting so you can steer your wife away from the offensive items.

If the vomiting and nausea is so bad (like your wife cannot even drink water without spewing), promptly seek medical advice.

READ: How do I cope with severe morning sickness?

Disregard your wife's pregnancy cravings

Pregnancy cravings, no matter how bizarre or specific, are not made-up. Some studies say that pregnant women crave for food with nutrients that her body needs. So if your wife is naglilihi, don't keep her waiting!

If you really have no access to the food she is craving for or if it's unhealthy for her and the baby (example, raw food), try to ensure that she eats a balanced diet and takes the correct amount of pre-natal vitamin supplements.

Nevertheless, beware of grumpy wife.

Not know the birth plan

Basketball games have game plans - giving birth does too!

Is a C-section required because of the baby's position? Will your wife be getting an epidural? Will you allow the doctor to break the water bag? Are you storing your newborn's cord blood? Make sure you discuss the different options with your wife and doctor before D-day.

But if you were not able to plan it out, trust that your doctor knows what's best. The birth may not go exactly as expected but a healthy mom and child is all that matters.

READ: How to make a birthplan

Believe that chilbirth prep class is unnecessary

First-time parents should consider taking a class to know what to expect and do during pregnancy, labor and delivery and even how to take care of a newborn baby. Knowing what to expect will keep you calm when your partner's contractions start - and you'll know how to support her through them. It doesn't have to be a lamaze class.

If you feel that you have no time or that it is an unnecessary expense, think again. The learning curve is steep and there's no such thing as cheating. Being with other soon-to-be parents is also fun and comforting.

If it's too late to join one, read books about pregnancy, labor and delivery or ask for advice from friends who are already parents. Your own parents can give you tips too but they might not be updated. For example, they may still believe in bigkis and crib bumpers.

Refuse to talk to the baby while still in the womb

Many men feel awkward when they are asked to talk to their wives' bellies. However studies suggest that babies who hear their father's voice while still in the womb recognize the sound when they are born. When positioned correctly, the exercise also encourages the baby to get into the head-down position ideal for natural birth.

If circumstances prevent you from being near enough, try recording your voice and asking your wife to play it regularly near her tummy. Even if you weren't able to, it's never too late to bond with your child.

WATCH: Crying newborn only calms down at the sound of daddy's voice

Fail to exercise or walk together with your wife

Did you know that most dads gain weight during pregnancy too? Stay fit and bond with your wife while you're at it. Married life will change once the baby's born.

Having someone to do it with makes exercising less of a chore too. Unless the doctor says otherwise, swimming is a great exercise you can do together. Walking will also help the baby descend and get into position for birth.

Forget the hospital bag and camera

Help your wife prepare the things that you will need to bring to the hospital before the baby is due. Know where it is and remember to grab it before rushing out the door. And make sure that your camera is charged and has enough memory for photos and videos - you want to preserve these memories forever!

If it was an emergency or you were not home and your wife's water just broke, ask a friend or relative to bring the bag over pronto!

LOOK: The items inside Juday's hospital bag will fill you with mom envy

Insist on staying outside the delivery room

Some men feel queasy just thinking about blood. Focus on your wife's face or pretend that the red liquid is paint (whatever works for you).

Some doctors allow the dad to cut the cord - don't worry, they will tell you exactly when and how. This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime magical moments you don't want to miss.

If you know you'll just faint anyway, be right outside the delivery room and get ready to hand out the (chocolate) cigars!

Underestimate the role of a dad

Your wife carried a baby that grew through several fruit sizes over 40 weeks. To grow even bigger, aforementioned baby needs to eat. And eat, and eat. If the baby is exclusively breastfed, you may feel a little left out. Try to give your wife a break and handle everything not feeding-related like burping and changing diapers.

If the baby cries soon after a feed, find out first if something else is the cause instead of assuming it's hunger. It could be gas.

READ: 13 Reasons why babies cry after breastfeeding

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Written by

Daphne

English