The best way to help before labor is to educate yourself with antenatal (before birth) classes. There are many kinds of classes available to expecting fathers and parents. Look into the kinds of classes available near you. If you find the idea of child birth scary, research shows that men who went though antenatal preparation, such as a class, had a more positive childbirth experience.   Check your community center or park district. Ask your doctor. Contact a nearby college or university. Look for a class online. Make sure you have all the necessary supplies to make the birthing experience as positive as possible. You can have a maternity bag or suitcase. Don't just take stuff for your wife and the baby, bring some things for yourself as well. It is best to pack much of this in advance, so that it is ready before your wife goes into labor. Have you maternity bag ready at least two weeks in advance.  For Her:  Oil for massage, but be cautious with scents A gown, slippers, and robe if she prefers them to hospital clothes Rolling pin or camper’s ice for pressure and cold on lower back Warm socks Relaxing music Personal focal point (a picture, flowers, a figurine) for her to focus on during contractions Favorite juice or electrolyte-balanced beverage (such as Gatorade) in a cooler Cosmetics Toiletries Her favorite snacks Nursing bras Money for incidentals Going-home clothing (which should still be maternity clothing)   For you:  Copy of the Birth Plan Watch with a second hand Grooming supplies (toothbrush, breath freshener, deodorant, shaver) Snacks and beverages (consider you wife may be very sensitive to the smell of your breath) Change of clothes Swimsuit so you can accompany the mother in the shower Paper and pencil Reading materials, or handwork, for slow times when the mother does not need your help Phone numbers of people to call during or after labor Camera (still or video)   For the baby:  Diapers, Receiving blanket Underclothing Outerwear (hat, warm clothes) Crib-sized blanket Car seat   For the trip to the hospital:  Full tank of gas Blanket and pillow in the car By  making a birth plan, your wife might feel more confident about getting to the hospital once labor begins. Sometimes feelings of anxiety can be managed by rehearsing and planning what will happen. If you've gone over it again and again, you will know exactly what to do. Women who prepared their birth plans have also been found to be less likely to have a cesarean section.  Make these decisions with your wife. Make a birth partner plan for yourself. You enable yourself then to also avoid mishaps in planning the quickest route, avoiding getting lost, and getting a feeling for the path you'll take. Consult with your doctor while creating your birth plan. There are many pre-made plans available online, but they are of dubious quality. It's best to plan this with your doctor.
خذ بعض الحصص قبل الولادة. جمع بعض الأدوات التي ستحتاجها. ضع خطة للولادة.