8 Tips to prepare mentally before becoming a new father

The name is ready, the hospital bag has been arranged, even the decoration of the children's room is as beautiful as a palace. You think everyone is ready to welcome the long-awaited birthday. But is the new father ready physically and spiritually?

The job for the future father in the delivery room is not just a photographer who doubles his hand for the wife to hold (or squeeze). The aura you emit while accompanying your wife will have a direct effect on the condition of the baby and the mother. Being there as calm, confident, and alert will do a lot to help your wife relax during labor from start to finish.

Relax, there are a number of easy ways to mentally prepare a new father to face the labor of his wife later.

What are some mental preparations a new dad should do before the delivery day?

1. Discuss your concerns with your wife

It is the husband's duty as the head of the household to become a strong and steadfast figure. But on the day of delivery, putting on a fearless macho face won't do your wife much good.

If you have any concerns, worries, or concerns about being a new father, be honest with your partner. By sharing your thoughts with each other, the two of you can align your views and find a way out with a cool head, and find out how best to support each other. When you and your partner get to know each other's anxieties, you can mentally prepare yourself for the changes that occur when your child is born. This can protect you from postpartum depression that can also happen to the father.

2. It's okay to cry

Mothers aren't the only people who experience hormonal fluctuations during their parenting journey. My father also experienced fluctuating hormones, particularly a decrease in testosterone levels. Suppressing the emotions that arise from shifting levels of these hormones can cause you to experience symptoms of postpartum depression.

Allow yourself as free as possible to really feel all the emotions that arise to be able to start a new page. Crying in front of other people is probably a shame, if you want you can find a place to be alone and let the tears flow - you can also read or listen to something to stir your emotions.

3. Exercise to release stress

Sometimes it's not enough to let go of negative emotions through vent sessions or journaling - the trash may need to be disposed of through physical activity. Make a list of all the fears you have had around the birth of your child, and all areas of your life that will be affected by childbirth. Every day, or every other day, pick one of the fears from the list and get some exercise. When you're running (or cycling, or some other choice of exercise) imagine all your fears dissolving in your sweat drops.

4. Practice meditation or breathing exercises

If you are truly anxious and nervous about going into labor, it is important to find ways you can stay calm. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, focus on a happy memory or imagination, then exhale slowly.

You may find it a little awkward to do this, but in the end, you can return to your best condition and be the best support for your wife during childbirth.

5. Show your support

The mother giving birth can be overwhelmed by panic. And the best person who can rely on her back to reality is you, the husband. You are the one who understands him the most, right?

As soon as her contractions become stronger, convince her that she's been doing the best she can up to this point, and that you love her. You can also help your partner by applying an ice pack or wiping the sweat from his brow. And while some women may not like being touched during labor, others appreciate gentle strokes on the neck or back.

Labor can be long and tedious. In fact, you might even spend the whole night waiting. Distract her mind from the stress and nervousness of her childbirth by keeping her busy. Set up a music player with his favorite songs, have a casual chat, or invite him to play cards or other board games.

6. Put on a thick face

A woman who is giving birth can use harsh words, more than usual, as her way of dealing with excruciating pain. Try not to take it too personally. But if you really do get offended, ask the nurse to watch over your wife for a while while you take a walk outside for some fresh air and calm your mind.

7. Be a spokesperson for the wife

Don't wait for your partner to howl in pain over heart-rending contractions to find out what help he or she wants from you. Discuss birth plans ahead of time - find out how she feels about the episiotomy and her doctor's hopes or recommendations. Digging into all the details of childbirth will allow you and your partner to discuss all the questions and worries you never thought of.

In this way, "When the mother is in pain, the father is often able to understand her needs better and make sure her wants are met," said Sarah Kilpatrick, professor of OB / GYN at the University of Illinois.

At the same time, be flexible once labor has started - your partner may change his mind, or the situation may require a new plan of action. "Nobody wants to have a cesarean section, but remember that things can not go according to plan," said occupational nurse Lisa Castillo of George Washington University Hospital. Still, don't hesitate to ask for questions about your options - especially if your wife is too sick to ask them herself.

8. Pamper yourself

Maybe you are wondering, why is it that it is a father who has to pamper himself while his wife is going through such a tough trial?

Your life will both change 180 degrees once the baby is born into the world later. This makes a casual coffee or a morning bike tour around town a memorable experience. Taking the time to nurture your inner and outer well-being before the birth of the baby will help you enter the world of your new father more confidently.

Lastly, know that no plan is perfect. But give a pat on the shoulder yourself because you have done your best to help your wife welcome the birth of the baby; then move on knowing that your preparation won't be wasted. The emotional strength that you have built up from scratch will help you a lot in the future.