How to help your partner at the birth

Do as you are told is the short and simple answer!!

In all seriousness it’s true, the best way that any potential father can help is to do as he asked whether by medical professionals or by his partner.

Most women will say how they want you to help and if they don't, ask what you can do but don‘t keep asking you will be told to shut up in no uncertain terms. Some women sail through the labour and in their second or third it is often quicker and easier but remember that even the mildest mannered women can be aggressive and in some cases down right nasty during their labour and this is normal.

You must remember that even though this is a totally natural process all women are scared (no matter what they say) and often in a lot of pain, try to be patient and not to take any comments to heart. It is particularly important if something is going wrong during the birth to reassure you partner that everything will be ok and it will soon be over you may get a sharp response but it is best to try.

So if you choose to be there then try to stay as calm and as reassuring as you can possible be oh and if you pass out you will hear it over and over again so if you feel faint it is usually to do with the fact that it is very hot in the delivery room (honest! Not that you are scared and excited no defiantly not ), then get a drink of water or step outside for a minute but try not to miss the actual birth doing that would be as bad as passing out.