When is a good time to start panicking...

[HandyTrinkett]

...that things aren't ready for new (and first) child??
Tiny person due to meet the world at the beginning of March... ...nursery not done, house not finished...

Also, any tips for useful things to bring to the birth (already been told a video camera would see me having a very final meeting with an undertaker...)

i would take the video camera but for after.

also food, drink, music it listen to something to read for when not much is happening might stop you getting on one anothers nerves!

For the birth of our son (now 10mths) my wife sorted most of the things that she needed, and barked the occasional order at me for things to buy, etc, etc. (arn't pregnant women fun...i love her really). I plan to do a lot more this time round (2nd due on 28th may)

The one thing we did forget was things for me. So make sure you have at least one change of clothes. Ones that are comfortable but that it would not be the end of the world if you have to throw them away.

The house being clean to come home to is always a good thing and fresh sheets and bedding is a big hit. If you cant do it then try and arrange with someone to sort it out (thats where grand-parents come in really handy)

My partner ended up having an emergency c section after 14 and a half hours. The main thing to remember is to be calm for her and do as you are told. Dont make the mistake I did and side with the midwife, If she doesnt want to 'puff puff blow' then she does not have to.

Find out how the car seat fits into the car. Read the manual, and practice. You'll get lots of brownie points if you can do this safely, speedily and with your eyes closed.

Ditto the push chair/buggy/sling.

Be prepared to be very supportive if she decides to breast feed (or formula feed). Feeding is never as straight forward as it seems, and breast feeding may takes several weeks, with lots of support, hugs, tears to get the hang of. Be prepared to tell her it's OK for her to formula feed if she wants to, but if she wants to persevere with bfing then you will be there for her/will take the baby out for walks between feeds in the evenings to give her a break.

(Breast feeding was the hardest thing I have ever done, and it was only because my dh was prepared to be totally non-judgemental, and to go and make a bottle of formula at 2am when I was convinced that I couldn't go on, that I was able to.)

you have to act as translator between her and the rest of the world as she will be off her head

don't sound like a cheerleader 'come on! great! great!' or she will want to hit you

if she tells you to press the button on the bloody TENS machine when she starts panting then press the button every bleeding time don't forget after a bit

Thanks for all the fine advice! The baby is arriving sooner than we planned as my wife will be induced at 37 weeks (2 weeks time) due to having obstetric cholestasis..

...just spent the weekend screaming round getting everything we thought we had 6 more weeks to sort out. Just waiting for nappies to be delivered but other than that everything is under control. Phew.

Thank you to everyone for the fine advice.. ...Jemima arrived yesterday at 00:55 and she's beautiful (not really sure if I'm allowed to compare her to my wife....).. ...but thanks again to everyone who posted.. ...and one more thing - comfortable shoes.. ..my feet were fucked by the end of the day(s)! :-) If it's going to be a long one then be prepared to spend a long time standing up massaging, stroking, whatever-you're-told-ing...

HappyNewDad signing out. :-p

Ahhhh, many congratulations HandyTrinkett, all the best to you, your wife and new little daughter

Many congratulations! All the best to your new family!

good luck..

definately take snacks, water...music, massage oils...scented stuff..hankies..slap, yeh..powder and lippy...wish i had!

all the best..it all goes mad..just stay with it and good luck to youall

handy trink..just saw
lovely welcome to the world jemima trinket...