Advice For Dads During Labor: How to be a Good and Supportive Partner

So, you're about to become a dad! Congratulations! This is an exciting time, but also a time that can be filled with stress and uncertainty. You want to make sure you're the best support possible for your partner during labor and delivery, but what does that even mean? Well, have no fear! We've compiled the ultimate dad guide of top labor tips for dads based on a survey of experienced moms. These tips for dads are silly, funny, and hopefully helpful in making your partner's labor experience a little bit easier.

If you're looking for top labor tips for mom, check out a guide we put together here!

1. Tips for Dads: Do Not Sit in the Chair Looking Comfortable.  

Let's start with a big one. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT sit in the delivery room chair looking comfortable. This is a no-no. Your partner is in labor, in pain, and the last thing they want to see is you cozied up in the chair, looking like you're taking a nap. And, if you're feeling tired, just keep it to yourself. Trust us, you have no idea what labor feels like, so don't act like you do. Just sit there, look attentive, and offer to rub her feet if you can.

2. Tips for Dads: Bring Advil for Sore Backs

You're going to be spending a lot of time in the delivery room, and that means you'll probably end up with a sore back from all the beds and chairs. So, make sure to bring some Advil. If you need to take it, do it silently. No whining allowed!

3. Tips for Dads: Listen and Be Present. Labor is a time for you to be present, attentive, and supportive. Stay off your phone, don't get distracted by the outside world, and just listen to your partner. Offer to rub her feet, hold her hand, or bring her some water. Just being there for her is the most important thing you can do.

4. Tips for Dads: Come Prepared with Snacks. While you're there, make sure you come prepared with plenty of snacks for your partner. You may be starving, but she is the one in labor, so her needs come first. Unless she says you can leave to grab something to eat, don't even think about it. Just sit there, offer her snacks, and don't enjoy your food.

5. Tips for Dads: Pack Your Overnight Bag Together. Make sure to pack your overnight bag together so you know where everything is if your partner needs it. You'll want to bring things like comfy socks with grip (Dr. Socko has some great ones), an eye mask, earplugs, and anything else that might make the experience more comfortable for her.

6. Tips for Dads: Don't Say “I Understand” or “Just Breathe.” One thing to remember is that this is not about you. So, don't try to make it about you. Don't say things like “I understand how you're feeling” or “just breathe.” And, definitely don't debate whether being kicked in the balls is more painful. It's not about you, so just focus on being there for her.

7. Tips for Dads: Have Fresh Breath. We do not need your bad breath breathing in our faces. Make sure you have fresh breath and keep it that way during labor. Your partner will appreciate it.

8. Tips for Dads: Don’t Go into Coach Mode. This is not a game, and your partner is not trying to win. Don’t go into coach mode and don’t pet her. She’s not a dog. Just be present and supportive.

9. Tips for Dads: Always Have Ice Water Ready. Thirst in heat comes suddenly and can be incredibly uncomfortable. Always have ice water ready to make sure your partner stays hydrated.

10. Tips for Dads: Don't Ask Stupid Questions About Your Partner's Vagina or Stare At It. Avoid asking inappropriate questions about your partner's private parts. This isn't the time or place. Also, look your partner in the eyes and stand behind her head to offer support. And definitely don't look right at the business happening down there!

7. Tips for Dads: You're Doing it Wrong, but Keep Doing it Anyway. No matter what you do, you're probably doing it wrong. But that's okay! Just keep doing it anyways. Your partner will appreciate your efforts, no matter how wrong they may be.

12. Tips for Dads: Support and Advocate for Her. Your partner will remember how you acted during this special moment forever. So, make sure you’re supporting and advocating for her every step of the way. It’s not about you; it’s about her.

We put together an easy and handy PDF dad guide of all the tips for dads they should be aware of while their partner is in labor! Download the guide here and keep it handy :) 

So there you have it, folks! The top tips from real-life moms on how to be supportive and what NOT to do during your partner's labor and delivery. Of course, every woman is different and every birth is unique, but these tips should give you a good starting point on how to be the best support person you can be for your partner.

Remember, it's not about you. It's about being there for your partner and helping them through what can be a very intense and emotional experience. Keep a sense of humor, stay relaxed and focused, and don't take yourself too seriously. The most important thing you can do is to be there for your partner and make sure they feel supported and loved. 

Mother's Day is coming up in May. If you need some ideas for a Mother's Day gift for pregnant moms, we put together a handy list of fun items here! Oh, and one more thing: don't forget the snacks! You never know when you'll need to break out the snack stash to keep your partner going. Good luck, dads-to-be! And have fun!