Nine months of waiting are almost up and you are eagerly awaiting the arrival of your first born. You have spent the last few months preparing the house, buying baby gear, putting together the crib, thinking of names, and running out of the house at all hours to buy that food item that your lovely partner was craving. Every murmur you hear from her makes your stomach knot up with anxiety about what is to come. “Is it time to go to the hospital, honey," you say over and over, hoping that this time you will actually leave.
Years ago you would be pacing outside the hospital room until the birth is over, in some countries you still would be. In the U.S. today you can have front row viewing of your baby being born. You are going to experience the emotions your partner is going through first hand. This is your initiation into fatherhood. Every birth is different so forget everything you have been told when you walk into the hospital. I have friends whose baby was ready to meet the world as soon as she walked into the hospital and others that were in labor for more hours than you would care to know.
The main job for you in the hospital room is to be supportive and loving. Try to keep calm, it is much easier for Mom when you are not pacing the hospital room. Most hospital rooms have televisions to help pass the time but you may want to bring a book for when your partner is resting or simple close your eyes and try to get some rest too.
When the time comes for the baby to arrive things will happen really fast. You will be surrounded by nurses, the doctor, and anyone else your partner wishes in the room depending on hospital rules. Listen to your partner, she will tell you what she needs. Enjoy the moment, it will pass quickly. It is the most amazing experience that anyone can go through. I was there when both my niece and nephew were born and words cannot express how incredible it is to see a baby being born.
Once your baby is born and you hold him or her in your arms for the first time you will be speechless. Enjoy that first moment you have together as long as you can before family and friends come in for their first look and first cuddle.
