Take things one day at a time. As a partner, it’s important to be there for your loved one during delivery. In my case, everything happened so fast our baby was born at home on February 26th, and I ended up acting as a midwife on the bathroom floor. By the time the ambulance arrived, I had already managed to provide all the support needed. Stay close throughout the entire process, even as healthcare staff come and go. Only step back if you’re asked to. If you haven’t already, consider taking a childbirth education class, preferably one that’s available online. Approach childbirth without fear. The time after can be wonderful, scary, worrying, and joyful all at once. As a partner, it’s crucial to communicate your thoughts and feelings and to ask about your partner’s as well. Your feelings may surface later than your partner’s, as you’re often rightly focused on them. Even more than three weeks after, a sense of calm has settled in. And don’t worry about appearances or the pressure to do what works for everyone else. Do what feels right and works best for you and your family, and everyone, including the baby, will thrive.
