The role of the father in the delivery room

The father in the delivery room – how can you prepare?

It is very important that the decision to accompany the expectant mother to the delivery room is made while she is still pregnant and discussed with her partner. Ideally, the father of the child should express his wish to be present at the birth and not be forced to do so. This way he can support the woman much better during the birth. Some men do not feel able to be present at the birth, which is not surprising as birth is a new and unfamiliar experience for everyone. For this reason, it is advisable to discuss everything during pregnancy before signing up for a birth preparation course. If the couple wants to give birth together, it makes sense to attend the classes together. This will pay off when the birth begins.

Preparation for the birth usually starts at the beginning of the third trimester. At this time, the baby equipment for the newborn is also prepared. This is also a good time to arrange with the hospital of the parents’ choice that the father can assist the birth. It is good if the father knows what documents he needs for the birth and where to find them. When labour starts, it is beneficial for the partner to have all the necessary paperwork in hand and the mother-to-be can concentrate on her breathing and the birth ahead.

Why is the role of the father in the delivery room so important?

The obstetrician has the important task of supporting the woman during the birth. In addition to providing psychological support, reassurance and anxiety relief, the father’s role in the delivery room is to provide physical support to the expectant mother. The partner may engage in non-pharmacological methods of pain relief, assist with the use of ladders, balls, etc., help with showering or give a massage. The father’s role in the delivery room is also very important if you want to deliver in vertical positions. The man can then support his partner. Besides, the birth of a child is a very important event in the life of a family. The father can, if he wishes, cut the umbilical cord or hold the baby in his arms after the birth.

What fathers can do in the delivery room

A father in labour has two kinds of tasks. First, he is a support and encouragement to the woman in labour. He often takes on the anger and pain of the woman in labour so that the birth progresses and the expectant mother does not feel alone. He also takes care of giving water to his partner, which is extremely important during labour and provides moments of peace during this phase of birth. Many fathers also take photos in the delivery room to commemorate the birth. Some of them play the music that their partner has chosen. Fathers in the delivery room can also participate in the active phase of labour, for example by rocking with their partner or helping to use the ball or the shower. This gives the birthing woman a sense of security. It is important to always work together with the medical staff. Everyone in the delivery room has one goal: a beautiful and absolutely safe birth for woman and child. It may happen that an obstetrician is asked to leave the room for certain things. Do not argue then, because it can be a matter of minutes, which leads to additional stress. It is a very good idea to draw up a birth plan in which the parents record the points that are most important to them and discuss these with the midwife.