So you’re starting to feel like you’re ready for the new little one to show up? That’s great but, let’s talk about a few things you may not have thought about for the delivery day.
The day of delivery is going to be nuts and there is going to be some big decisions to be made. Make a game plan with the other member of team baby making before you get to the hospital. Drugs no drugs? Name? The spelling of the name? Cutting the cord? Watch don’t watch? Talk don’t talk? Right now you could be thinking these are all easy questions and you know exactly what you will be doing, but here’s a little heads up, once baby is literally on its way you don’t have time to think about the answers to these questions. You definitely don’t want to be having to ask this new mama what her thoughts are on these things.
Keep in mind that even though you should create a game plan and know whats going on, things change. The more you know about the desires of the other half of team baby, the better off you will be. You should also know, if you don’t already, you don’t really get a say that day. You are there almost exclusively as support. She is doing all the work and going through all the pain, you just get to relay decisions to the nurses and doctors based on previous conversations.
How much do you really know about taking care of a baby?
Delivery day is here and now is the time to be completely honest with yourself about what you actually know and what you just think you can figure out quick. The nurses know everything and are more than happy to fill you in. Ask them to teach you “the swaddle” and master it before you leave the hospital, it’s a game changer for the little nugget at sleep time. Have you ever changed a diaper? They have, lot’s of them. Have them show you what you need to know in those first few changes, then get comfortable, you will be a seasoned pro by the time this little monster is potty trained.
What’s going to be in the room for delivery?
Music? Diffuser? People? No people?
Treat the nurses right and they will take care of you. Have someone go get coffee and cookies for them and the doctors. Their coffee sucks and a box of Starbucks coffee is well worth it for the nurses to be on your team. Getting the nurses to be on your team is like having the star player from your rivals suddenly have a change of heart and join your team. It’s amazing how much better things go.
Music in the room is not a bad idea either. Make a good playlist for delivery day and keep in playing softly in the background. There are going to be some strange new sounds coming into the world and not all of them are great. Keeping a soft music in the background will be a good way to keep your room calm and nice.
Oil diffuser to make it smell good. Holy cow do these rooms not smell great by the end of your visit. I’m pretty sure this is one of the main reasons the nurses and doctors actually wear the face masks. Pick up a cheap oil diffuser and add a little lavender or some other calming smell to the mix and let it go the entire time you are there. It will be amazing how many nurses will comment on your room being their favorite.
People?
Who is welcome in the room? In most cases, you are allowed to have one other family member in the room for delivery. However, there are some hospitals which will allow an additional person such as a parent. This is one of those conversations you should have beforehand because having it while mom is on pain drugs will not be her favorite time to be talking about much of anything. Another thing to keep in mind is that there will be a handful of people in the room for delivery anyway. If you’re like us, we had a doctor, a resident, 3 nurses, 2 med students and they may have gone and grabbed a few extra people who were just roaming the halls. It had to look a little like a clown car to anyone watching from outside the room.
Wrap up
Make a plan for delivery day, be willing to change that plan, and keep the nurses and doctors happy. Be honest with yourself about what you know and don’t be shy to ask for help. You will be happy you did.