A Dad's Role In Delivery


What role can a dad play in labor and delivery?

The father's role in childbirth has changed dramatically since the days when spouses paced the hospital waiting room, anxiously awaiting a doctor's announcement: "It's a girl." Today, many men are involved from the moment the pregnancy test comes back positive, attending prenatal appointments, childbirth classes, and, after the birth, father-baby groups.

Some men are comfortable with a lot of involvement, and some aren't. And not all men relish the thought of being present during labor and delivery. But for most, seeing their child born is one of life's great moments.


How can I prepare for this role?

Childbirth classes are invaluable. You'll likely feel more confident after learning what to expect during labor and childbirth, acquiring ideas and techniques to help your wife or partner through the experience. If you still feel anxious about your role, a birth assistant, or doula, can help tremendously during labor, not only coaching your partner but also encouraging you to relax and participate comfortably. If that sounds intriguing, talk it over with your partner.

Also, make sure you know all the ins and outs of the hospital where you plan to deliver. Take a tour of the facilities, and make sure that husbands or partners can be present throughout labor, birth, and in the hours and days after your baby is born. Most hospitals have come into the modern age, but some have restrictions about who can be present during a c-section or at other times.

Some questions we mothers ask;

1. How often should I bathe my baby?
2. Where should I bathe my baby?
3. What's the best way to give my baby a bath?


How often should I bathe my baby?

Although some parents bathe their babies every day, until yours is crawling around and getting into messes, a bath isn't really necessary more than once or twice a week. (Just wash his face frequently and thoroughly clean his genital area after each diaper change.) When you do bathe him, you may find it a little scary to handle your wiggly little one when he's all soapy and slippery, so keep a good grip. Most babies find the warm water very soothing.
Where should I bathe my baby?

Instead of using a standard bathtub, which requires you to kneel or lean awkwardly over your baby and gives you less control over his movements, it makes sense to use the kitchen sink or a small plastic baby tub.
What's the best way to give my baby a bath?

Here's how to do it and what you'll need to make baby-bathing easy. With any luck, his bath will become one of the most enjoyable parts of your days together:

1. Assemble all necessary bath accessories.

2. Fill the tub with 2 to 3 inches of water that feels warm but not hot, about 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius).

3. Bring your baby to the bath area and undress him completely.

4. Gradually slip your baby into the tub, using one hand to support his neck and head. Pour cupfuls of bath water over him regularly during the bath so he doesn't get too cold.

5. Use soap sparingly (it dries your baby's skin) as you wash him with your hand or a washcloth from top to bottom, front to back. Wash his scalp with a wet, soapy cloth. Use a moistened cotton ball to clean his eyes and face. As for your baby's genitals, a routine washing is all that is needed. If dried mucus has collected in the corner of your baby's nostrils or eyes, dab it several times with a small section of a moistened washcloth to soften it before you wipe it out.

6. Rinse your baby thoroughly with a clean washcloth.

7. Wrap your baby in a hooded towel and pat him dry. If his skin is dry, or if he has a bit of diaper rash, you may want to apply a mild lotion after his bath.

As a first-time mom, not to mention I had no help from my family. I was struggling with taking care of my baby. I did not know what to do and how to do it. So, for all you first-time parents, single parents and parents who need reminding, here are some tips on what to do.
Your newborn's umbilical cord are requires special care until it heals. Don't be afraid to clean your baby's cord. Remember, the quicker the base dries, the sooner the cord will fall off. You should clean the area each time you change your baby's diaper.

To clean the cord safely;
1. Take a cotton swab, cotton square or cotton round,
2. Clean around just the base of the cord from inward motion to outward,
3. Let it dry.

Remember to avoid covering the cord with the diaper, because the cord area should be kept dry and clean at all times. If the diaper is too high, fold it down on your baby before securing. There are also special newborn diapers which have a cut-out space for the cord. The cord area should heal in about 7-10 days.

Warning Signs:

Call your baby's pediatric caregiver if you notice that the umbilical cord stump is;

• soft
• has a strong odor
• streaked with red around the navel, or is discharging fluid.

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