Dads and Birth Partners

Many fathers and birth partners are anxious about what to expect during the birthing process. Whether or not you are a first time birthing coach, it is a good idea to prepare yourself for the delivery process. Here are some ideas to help you plan and organize.

Familiarize Yourself with the Standard Delivery Process

The typical delivery process at the Peggy V. Helmerich Women's Health Center is as follows:

  1. Pre-Register for delivery and pain management choices
  2. Check-in at Information Desk on the ground floor in the lobby
  3. Enter Triage area for assessment
  4. Move to Labor & Delivery room for delivery
  5. Baby is delivered
  6. Move to Birth Care room for postpartum care
  7. Discharge

Survival Guide

  1. Gather information.-Attend Childbirth Classes and an Orientation & Tour. Also, read books about the birthing process. Ask your physician for references to reliable sources such as recommended books or periodicals.
  2. Ask questions.-Physicians and nurses are glad to address the concerns of you and your partner. The only silly question is the one you do not ask.
  3. Bring personal items for you and your partner-Besides bringing a pre-packed suitcase for your partner, take items for yourself as well. You will need comfortable shoes and a change of clothes. Labor can be a long process and you will need to be relaxed while you coach your partner. Consider bringing some of your personal toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant. Prepackaged snacks such as granola bars are a good idea too.
  4. Know the camera & video rules.-Tulsa area hospitals do not allow photographs or videos to be shot during the active birth process. However, pictures and videos may be taken immediately after the birth. Do not forget to bring extra film or videotapes in order to capture all of those first few special moments.
  5. Stay calm and relaxed.-The delivery room can be a stressful environment, even for those who prepare in advance. Concentrate on supporting your partner by ensuring her comfort. Hold her hand and offer your aid for whatever she needs. Practice deep-breathing exercises so that you can stay focused during delivery.
  6. Establish a communication chain.-Have a list of 2 to 3 key people and their contact information on hand so that you can phone them quickly before or after the delivery. Inform these key people who else should be informed of the birth. If you have other children, determine who will care for them while you attend to your partner.
  7. Inform others of waiting room and visitation policies-Visiting hours are 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily for Labor & Delivery, Birth Care and Women's Care. NICU visiting hours are any time except: 2:30 to 3:30 a.m. & p.m.; 6:00 to 7:30 a.m. & p.m. Visitors to Labor & Delivery and the NICU must be at least 14 years of age. Only three visitors are allowed in the Labor & Delivery room at one time. Only five visitors are allowed in the Birth Care (recovery) room at one time. All visitors must obtain a visitor badge from the Information Desk, located on the ground floor of the Peggy V. Helmerich Women's Health Center. Visit the Patient Handbook page for more a more detailed explanation of rules and policies.