What he needs to know

[waitingimpatiently]

Hi, I'm 21 weeks and I am just writing a list of things that my DP needs to / should know for the pregnancy (although he's doing alright so far), labour and birth, and once the baby is here.

I just would like to know some suggestions like what you would have liked your DP to know when you were pregnant. I don't want to overload him but just make it easier for him.

Any suggestions / comments welcome, thanks guys.

Hi waitingimpatiently, love your consideration here, I just let them suffer in ignorance!
I'd suggest the following;
I will feeling fat and unattractive when I get bigger so tell me I am beautiful no matter how fat my ankles get, or if my stomach looks like it's been attacked by Edward Scissorhands.
I will sometimes make demands that sound totally unreasonable. Do not question this, or the fact that I change my mind about said demands 5 minutes later.
I may waddle- I can't help it ok and no I don't look like a duck.
My mood swings in the weeks just before and after the birth may scare both of us.
I know my bikini line probably needs waxing but I can't see so I don't actually care.
You can paint my toenails when I can't reach, and pull me out of the low chair I should never have sat in.
When baby arrives, I will still look heavily pregnant for at least a few days- make NO comment or refer back to first point.
I will let you know when I feel ready for sex again. It may be some time so occupy yourself meanwhile.
Your DC will be amazing, but I too need attention- I feel as if I have pooped a bowling ball to present them to you so show your appreciation!

rofl married!

That just about sums it up!

during the birth, he should keep on telling you how well you are doing.

once the baby is born although you'll be feeding the baby in the night (assuming you are planning to BF) it would be great if he could get out of bed, bring you the baby, and after the fed burp him/her, change nappy and settle them etc

that he might feel useless or that he's in the way during labour - he is not!!
My DH did very little during my recent labour i thought, but I was coping with the contractions until he went to get me some water.

I found that SPB, DH left for about 10minutes and I went to bits!
He was the only person in the room who I felt was on my side, even though he felt totally in the way and like a spare part!

I was amazed by it!
In my first labour while I was pushing I kept sending him out for drinks of water for me - at the time I thought I was keeping him busy but actually I needed something else to focus on too.

Oooh, get him to think about whether he wants to cut the cord, but to keep an open mind on the day.
With a newborn, you will feel resentful at times that you are stuck on the sofa feeding (figure out how to feed standing and walking as soon as possible!!) and at times you will just need him to hold the baby so you can go to the loo, whether it needs feeding or not!

his job is to help you communicate in some sort of cohesive manner to the midwife during labour and to make sure they listen to you if you are incapable of making sense.