1. 1.Put together the babies room early; You have to remember that the due date the doctor gives you both is not exactly set in stone, so you do want to ensure that when the big comes, you have a room to put them in. It’s also a good chance to test out that tool belt and reignite the skills garnered from countless hours with the lego and start putting together the babies furniture. Plus the extra time gives you a chance to buy the big ticket items during the length of the pregnancy instead of denting the credit card in one big hit.
   

2. 2.If you have purchased books and other information, read them together. It’s a good way to talk the information through with each other and discuss various options that you may discover. It also helps to reinforce the big event which is in front of you. Many guy’s I know put their head in the sand rather than being supportive during the pregnancy which only added to their partners anxiety.
   

3. 3.Pack two bags; one containing items that you know you will need and another of things you think you may need but not sure. You never know before hand how the pregnancy will go and how long it will last. For the birth of our daughter, we had in our essentials bag items like diapers, clothes for Mum and the little one as well as sanitary needs etc. In the other we packed items we weren’t sure we will need but packed it just in case such as an iPod & speakers which contained a playlist of relaxing music Amanda had pre-selected as well as essential oils in case she needed a massage. As the birth was over in less than three hours, none of the items from the non-essential bag were used, but it was better to be prepared just in case.
   

4. 4.Take a Tour of the hospital; this is a great opportunity to ensure that you not only know how to get to the hospital, but where to go when you get there. Where to park the car when your partner goes into labor or what floor is the birthing suite. The additional benefit is that hospital tours take you to all the locations that you may need during the birth including the nursery, shower facilities and the cafeteria for waiting family and incase of complications the surgery. The later is something that you don’t wish to consider, but important to understand if something does happen that this is where you will be taken.
   

5. 5.Write a birthing plan; this is essentially what you and your partner wish to happen where possible during the birth of your child. Does the father wish to cut the cord? Do you wish to be offered pain relief? Who is aloud to be present during the birth? One of our stipulations was that no one was to come into the room until Amanda had a chance to have a shower and clean up and rest first. She hated the thought of family rushing in two minutes after the birth. Birthing plans aren’t set in stone, things can change as the birth progresses but it is helpful to inform your Doctor/Mid Wife of you would like to occur. If only you could pick the Super-Bowl Champs and a quick and painless birth in the birthing plan!

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