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July 20, 2024 7 mins

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Are you ready to become the ultimate birthing room MVP? Discover everything a dad-to-be needs to know about making the delivery room experience as smooth and supportive as possible in this can't-miss episode of Instructions Not Included. From mastering flexible birth plans with the help of modern apps to packing a foolproof support kit, we guide you through all the essential steps. Plus, you'll learn invaluable relaxation techniques and gain a deep understanding of labor stages and pain management options that will prepare you to be the rock your partner needs.

Listen in as we break down the critical role you play in the delivery room. Learn how to be fully present, advocate effectively for your partner, and even capture those priceless moments—with her consent, of course. We’ll also tackle three crucial questions every dad-to-be should consider to ensure you're meeting your partner's expectations and providing the emotional support she'll need. This episode is your comprehensive guide to turning the birth of your child into a memorable and positive experience for both you and your partner.

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Episode Transcript

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Instructions Not Included, episode 4.
This is the Dad's Guide to theDelivery Room.
Let's get it, we'll see younext time.

Speaker 2 (00:11):
Welcome back, Dad.

Speaker 1 (00:51):
Today on Instructions Not Included.
We're tackling the big day.
Yeah, the delivery room.
Look, the delivery room can bean intense and emotional
experience for everybodyinvolved.
But fear not, fellas, becauseyou have the power to be that
calming and supportive presencefor your partner during this
incredible moment.

(01:11):
Let's gear up for the deliveryroom.
Here are some things you coulddo to prepare for the delivery
room.
Number one know the birth plan,but be flexible.
Discuss your birth plan withyour partner and her doctor
beforehand.
However, be prepared to adapt.
Birth doesn't always follow ascript.

(01:33):
As part of this plan, I'drecommend utilizing the
technology of today bydownloading a birth plan app
like Birth Plan Plus orsomething similar.
See.
Apps like this can help youcreate a full plan, regardless
of whether you plan to have yourbaby at a hospital, birthing
center or at home.

(01:53):
But keep in mind, somehospitals may have their own app
.
So find out what features workbest for you early on and use
what you're most comfortablewith.
Along with your plan, be sureto include a contact list with
custom pre-made messages lettingfamily and friends know your
partner is heading into laborand that your phone may be on.

(02:17):
Do not disturb.
Create some text presets thatcan instruct them on what you
may need them to do, or just toprovide them with some updates.
The object here is just to havea few clicks to press so you
can put your phone away andfocus on your partner.
Okay, and once again I'd liketo reiterate that things don't

(02:38):
always go as planned, but havinga plan is better than not.
Number two pack a support kit.
Pack snacks, drinks,comfortable clothes, a camera,
of course, with your partner'spermission, and anything else
that might make your partnerfeel comfortable.
Keep in mind if you'reconsidering taking pictures or

(02:58):
wanting to record the birthingprocess, be sure to get prior
approval from the doctor, thehospital staff and, most
importantly, your partner, andif everyone is OK with being
filmed.
If possible which really meansif you have time I'd recommend
setting up a small tripodsomewhere in the room, maybe on

(03:18):
a nightstand or table facing.
That you know from head to toe,so no private parts are being
shown, but out of the way, sothe staff can move around the
room without any obstacles intheir path.
This also allows you to haveyour hands free and your
attention solely on your partner.
Number three practicerelaxation techniques.

(03:40):
Learn breathing exercises,massage techniques.
Learn breathing exercises,massage techniques or other
visualization practices to helpcalm your partner during labor.
Number four information ispower.
Do your research, learn aboutthe stages of labor, pain
management options and what toexpect during the delivery.

(04:02):
Here's some ways to be asupportive partner in the
delivery room.
First, be present.
Like I said, put your phoneaway, focus on your partner and
offer emotional support.
Hold her hand, offer words ofencouragement and remind her of
her strength.
Advocate for your partner,communicate clearly with the

(04:27):
medical staff, ask questions ifnecessary and ensure your
partner's wishes are respected.
Be her voice if needed.
Sometimes women might feeloverwhelmed during labor.
Be her voice if she needs youto speak up for or ask something
.
Provide that practical support.
Offer physical comfort, massageher back, adjust pillows or

(04:51):
help her change position andcapture the moment.
Like I stated earlier, withyour partner's permission, be
sure to take photos or videos tocreate lasting memories of the
special day.
Quick quote the quality of afather can be seen in the
generations that follow him.
Read Markham Dads.

(05:12):
The delivery room isn't justabout the medical side of things
.
It's about witnessing themiracle of life and welcoming
your child into the world as ateen.
As always, I have threequestions for the dads.
Questions for the dads.
Question number one Threequestions for the dads.
Questions for the dads.
Question number one Dads-to-be,have you talked to your partner

(05:38):
about her expectations for yourrole in the delivery room?
What are some ways you canensure you're meeting those
expectations?
Question number two Beyond thephysical support, what are some
ways you plan to emotionallysupport your partner during
labor?
And question number threeimagine things don't go exactly
according to plan.
How will you stay calm andsupportive if there's any

(06:02):
unexpected twists or turns?
All right, dads, the deliveryroom might seem intimidating,
but with preparation, someflexibility and a focused
determination to support yourpartner, you can be a calm and
confident presence during thisunforgettable moment.
Don't forget to like andsubscribe to Instructions Not

(06:25):
Included for more dad-centricadvice on navigating the journey
of parenthood.
Wearing this together, dads,let's create a thread in the
comments below, share your tipsfor dads in the delivery room
and ask any questions you mighthave.
See you next time.

Speaker 2 (06:44):
This thing called life doesn't come with a way to
go, it doesn't come with amanual.
Yeah, you can search.
I swear back now, like Jay-Z,the blueprint.
Ooh, now we make one, I and I.
That's why we say I and I.
There's a unity thing, noI-nity, we are all one.

Speaker 1 (07:10):
Sweet Fights baby.
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