I know, this is Mums Net, but as a Dad-to-be and now a first time New Dad I have been keenly reading many of the threads here and have found them most interesting and informative (and damn funny too!)
So on behalf of any New Dads-to-be out there, and as a NewDad who greeted his baby daughter just 24 hours ago, here are my top tips for the labour, (perhaps other Dads would like to add?):
Take a flannel or two, use as a cold compress on the head, neck or lower spine. Seemed to help. But be warned - cold flannel on lower back was first met with "hmm thats nice" and later with "Get that off me!". Rule one - you can't win all the time!
Learn these lines and repeat incesantly: "Breathe through it", "Don't Push" and "Push!!".
Expect to be glared at by other half as you tell her the above. Rule two - Your efforts to help will not always be favourably received!
Take a hanky. You WILL need it ;-)
Prepare to be absolutely stunned at your wife/partners bravery, resiliance and stamina, and to come out of the experience feeling rather humbled. Rule three - prepare to be surprised!
Gentle pressure on the lower back just above the bum on the spine (with the palm of your hand) really helped ease the back pain. Your wife might like this too(!). The midwife will show you how.
Be prepared for the midwifes to ignore you: they are not rude, their priority is the mother and baby. Some of them are scary though ;-)
Speak up for your partner, she will be relying on you. Be assertive.
In the final stage of labour (the Push bit) your other half will not look human. Eyes rolling, teeth bared and animalistic grunts are to be expected. She will return to normal. Eventually.
If blood doesn't worry you, take this chance to see the head emerging. Amazing. Otherwise look away!
The big grin you will experience when you see your baby could result in lock-jaw. Savour the moment.
Lastly, enjoy the experience!
Apologies for typos, spelling etc, rather tired. This is all meant in good humour, I hope no-one will take offence.