Baby and Dads

Dads and new arrivals

I can remember the first time I knew as I was going to be a dad; it was a very emotional moment when my wife told me. Excited yet a little concerned about the responsibility of going from two people to three people….was I ready? I remember the time baby actually arrived and laying my eyes on him for the first time…..MAN!!!!! ! what a moment, knee trembling stuff. Holding this little person in my arms for the first time was just mind blowing……mind blowing! I remember the nurse saying to me after a few seconds….'Errrrr.. shall I hold the little one now as you look like your going to faint !'

I didn't faint, but I think I probably wasn't far off it….very emotional indeed ! When number two arrived, I was a little more prepared but still the experience was just mind blowing and nearly fainted again the first time I held my daughter.

Before the birth I had 1001 questions about what should I be doing.


What are antenatal classes ?

Pure and simple attend these classes as a couple. Most NHS hospitals with birth units run antenatal classes or contact the NCT. Just type in 'NCT classes' into Google, Yahoo etc and you can find your nearest one. The NCT classes are not free but are worth looking into.
What to expect

Most babies don't arrive on time, the due date is a rough date. Forty weeks is the norm, but don't rely on it 100% , baby will probably arrive before or after that date.

What are the labour signs ? Will it be obvious ?

You WILL know when things start happening - believe me !

It should be fairly obvious when your other half is in labour, but signs to watch out for include:

" Lower back pain sometimes accompanied by cramp
" Contractions become more frequent and intense
" Some blood-tinged discharge, which might include mucus

If her waters break, chill, don't panic. This water release is normal and it's the amniotic fluid from the womb.

1. Get on the phone and call the maternity unit, ask for their advice. Some units will ask you to come in to check things out, others will just say ring again if situation changes but stay in touch.
2. If you're worried that things are just happening too quickly, or if you have any other cause for concern, get on the phone to the ambulance.
3. Plan the route to the hospital well beforehand (like months beforehand) Are there any roadwork's or diversions due ?
4. Make sure you have change for the parking at the hospital.


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