Birth plan for partner?

[Honeymoonmummy]

I am just compiling a list of things DH can do while I'm in labour. Has anyone got any suggestions for things that really helped?

my DH was in charge of the gas thingummy both times when in active labour.
pre labour he was in charge of music compilation for ipod...

All i would say is go with the flow.

IMO labour never goes as you wish it to. IT takes so many twists and turns. I Was in labour 5yrs ago exactly and NOTHING went to plan. THough thankfully i had a happy and healthy baby out of it who is now 5!!!!!!

Depends what type of birth you are planning.

Can you bullet point your plan and then find a corresponding job for your DH?

i.e I want to be able to eat - DH to unwrap and divide mars bars into bitesize pieces.

I want an epidural on arrival - dh to hound mws

etc etc.

I'm planning a hospital birth, I'm fairly flexible about what I want but I wanted to give him some pointers so he's not sitting there feeling helpless.

I thought dp would be massaging my back and feet, mopping my forehead and telling me how well I was doing - Turns out I didnt want him near me so sent him off to watch the football until dd was nearly out!!

Think of things he can do if it is a slow labour to keep him awake and happy ie books, music.

Also, things he can ask for if you arent up to pestering the midwives - Pain relief, drinks, more pillows. Make sure you go through your birth plan with him so that he knows exactly what you want x

Be calm and keep alert for any unplanned eventualities ie delivering the baby himself

we had a whole list of things for DH to do, but in the event, i just needed him to sit really close to me so that i could hold tight to his arm when i needed support...

he was my rock, my silent witness, it was an amazing journey...

now afew weeks to go to my second birth...

Good luck mamatilly

xxx

Don't plan too much - just go with the flow! Both times my DH held a bottle of water which he offered to me to swig from between contractions. Other than that he held my hand and said nice encouraging things. I couldn't have done it without him.

Good luck!