What sort of things should I be aware of before, during and after my wife gives birth?

I'm 36 weeks with my second. Let me give you a couple tips. She's going to say things to you she doesn't' mean. Not just in labor, but the weeks and months getting close to it. Don't let all the things she says go to heart. I often open my mouth and say horrible things before I can even think about whether or not it's appropriate. I feel horrible after wards and apologize, but he doesn't' get that I can't help it. Your mouth is as out of control as your body is.

It is very exhausting just to be pregnant even if you're not doing anything. There are lots of aches an pains especially as labor nears. And she will get next to no sleep the further along she gets. This also adds to the aches and pains as well as the mood swings. Just be patient with her and understand, no mater what she is putting you through, she is going through a lot more.

Don't' let the doctors run your labor and delivery. Become educated. I let my docs run my first labor from early induction for their convenience to threatening me with a c section if I didn't' get an epidural. Remember that you and your wife have the right to refuse their suggestions and make your own birth plan. If your doctor doesn't approve of how you want your birth to go, change docs or switch to a midwife.

Read everything you can about what happens with the body in labor and delivery. And don't' put everything off until the last minute when your thinking about getting stuff ready.

I think that covers quite a bit. Most of all... relax and enjoy this time. It's special and your lives are about to change in an amazing way! CONGRATS!!

First of all congrats, having a baby is an amazing experience and it's good to hear you are so involved. This might not be exactly what you're looking for, but I would highly suggest making sure you have a chair nearby when she is delivering. My fiance almost fainted when it came time for the afterbirth but luckily the nurse already had the chair handy lol. If your wife is an ice cruncher make sure you have a full cup by her bed with a spoon so she can get some in between pushing/contractions.

The weeks leading up may be a little hard as she gets more tired and its harder for her to do certain things. Keep alert as to any aches and pains that she makes noticeably painful as early signs of labor come.

If you plan on staying home for a few days with her afterwards make sure she's comfortable (physically and emotionally) because its hard adjusting to a new baby wether it's your first of fifth child. Make sure she knows (and you too) that it's ok not to be perfect at everything and things will gradually become easier the more you do it (diaper changes, getting bottles ready in time, etc.)

My fiance is envious that I can change our daughter in 30 seconds with 1 wipe when it takes him 5 minutes with 3 wipes...its nothing to worry about and like I said, things will get easier. I am with her 24/7 and he works 6am-6pm through the week so just keep communications open and help each other out.

Some women go through a spout of depression after having a baby which is completely normal, so keeping her eating healthy and feeling good will be very important. Moodiness is to be expected however lol. Make sure you let her know what a wonderful job she is doing/will be doing so she has reassurance she is a great mom.

I just had my daughter 4 days ago and my personal experience is that even though this is my second child it's still hard. My son turned 6 years old the day I had my daughter (what a birthday present, huh?) so I still remember a few things but it's still pretty much all brand new to me again.

Congrats and good luck!

First of all congrats ! Second as she gets further along her back and feet will start to hurt more she maybe tired more often just try and be understanding when she's in pain ask her if she would like to have her back rubbed ask her id she needs anything, help her as much as you can around the house she will most likely have horrible mood swings and she may say things she don't mean try not to argue with her let it go in one ear and out the other because she doesn't mean it and will feel bad enough later. I can't tell you what to expect if she is going to have a normal birth because I myself had a c-section if she happens to need one ( which I cross my fingers she doesn't ) then when they allow you in hold her hand and let her know everything is ok. after the birth try and understand because this is your first she maybe reluctant to let the baby out of her sight and she maybe still really emotional also again help her as much as you can around the house it is going to take her awhile to recover from the birth and she may still be really tired .

It will help immensely if you take a Lamaze class with your wife, as it will go through the stages of labor, and what you can expect with each one. You might also try babycenter.com, as it has TONS of useful info regarding pregnancy, labor and delivery, and birth-5 years old. As far as helping your wife, helping with little things around the house are a good way, and just listening to her and acting interested, even if she's just complaining about her back hurting or her being tired. Compassion will go a long way. A back rub never hurts, either. :) good luck with your first baby! Its a wonderful thing, being a parent.

Help her with things around the house... laundry, dishes, cleaning in general, cooking and stuff... also, you may want to tell her to lay down for a while and you'll take care of the baby... she's going to be up every 2 - 3 hours with the baby every night with feedings... so maybe here and there you can take over... I know, it sounds like a lot, but that would be very helpful to her. and I know she would appreciate it.

Just remember that your wife is always right and if she asks/tells you something, you respond and say yes dear.

Having a newborn is going to be a new ballgame for both of you but usually, the Mom is the primary caregiver. Help her whenever you can. And if she breastfeeds, offer to bring her snack or beverage while she is feeding the baby. New babies can sometimes seem to be latched on forever and Mom needs help.

My answer is somewhat distinctive. My water broke 3 months early. i grew to become into rushed to the scientific institution at 5:30am and into the emergency room. i grew to become into then instructed that they'd no longer admit me to that scientific institution by using fact they did no longer have a neonatal unitl that ought to take a toddler that youthful. i grew to become into very apprehensive by using fact i grew to become into very early and that i grew to become into apprehensive for the wellness of my toddler and because it grew to become into my first newborn I had no concept what to anticipate. for the time of all this I had to elect which scientific institution i needed them to circulate me to. each and every thing wound up ok yet while i ought to circulate back and supply myself some suggestion it would be to accomplish somewhat study into hospitals in the section with good NICUs in basic terms IN CASE.