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Dads, you may have attended pre-natal classes, practised breathing techniques, read books on how the birth will actually happen but have you thought about being with your wife in the delivery room, witness the birth of your child and share the experience your wife will go through? Well you can* but you need to prepare yourself for this moment.

Prepare an Essentials List
Pack comfortable shoes, a change of clothes and snacks. Have ready phone numbers of people you need to inform.

Confirm Delivery Procedures
Make important decisions about the birth together, well before mom is overcome by labour pains.Would she prefer sedatives or an epidural? What kind of pain relief would she prefer? Would she prefer to breastfeed after delivery?

Strategise Position
You may have to decide what you want to see and how much you want to see of the delivery. Books and photos may help. However, be prepared to change your mind if you feel the need to do so.

Check Your Anxiety
Much as you may want to do everything possible to make your wife comfortable and ease her pains, there is actually very little you can do. In fact, just being there is most comforting to your wife.

Keep Calm
If things get to be too much in the delivery room; feel free to take a breather – leave the room,take a walk, have a drink. Don't be compelled to stay beside her - nobody wants another patient in the room.

Gift Plan
There is nothing like a gift to lift one's spirit; surprise your wife, show how much you appreciate what she's going through.

Cry
You are holding your precious bundle in your arms and your heart is so overwhelmed with this wonder, words cannot express how you feel.Cry if you have to – it is the reward of becoming a father.

* Check with your hospital if you are allowed to be present at your baby's delivery.

Source: Garskof, Josh (2005) Dads and Delivery in Parents, August 2005.

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