Labour is definitely an experience for them too, and they can often struggle about doing or saying the wrong thing.
To make sure they are best prepared for the big day, get them to have a read of our dos and don'ts.
Do:
Prepare to have your hand squeezed
Your other half is going to be in a lot of pain. A lot. So brace yourself for a, eh, little hand squeezing.
Be motivating
A few words of motivation can go a long way when your other half is in incredible pain. Although, don’t be too surprised if you irritate her more by being overly encouraging.
Get your other half whatever they want
No matter what they ask for make sure you get it. A woman in labour is not someone you want to mess with.
Let her get on with it
Avoid telling her what she should and shouldn’t do. Unless you have been through labour, and we’re sure we’re safe in saying you haven’t, you can’t say anything...
Bring food
Labour is long and you’ll no doubt get hungry so make sure you bring food. Your other half doesn’t need you fainting on her.
Don’t:
Don’t freak out
Whatever you do, don’t use this time to start freaking out about fatherhood.
Don’t faint
We know you can't help it if you start feeling woozy, but if you do faint be prepared for little or no sympathy from your other half.
Don’t forget anything
The last thing you’ll want is to forget anything – like the playlist she painstakingly spent hours compiling.
Don’t complain
Unless you are after trouble don’t complain about how hot the hospital is or how long you’ve been standing for.
Don’t go to sleep
Even if the labour has been going on for coming up to 24 hours, don’t nap.
