As your due date approaches, you start preparing yourself to push forth your birthing plan. But those who have gone through it can tell you that it’s best to expect the unexpected.
While you may have kept your
maternity bag ready and your hospital booked, you can never predict the end result.
In fact, in some rare cases, you might just end up delivering your own baby on your way to the hospital and that too inside a car!
This is exactly what happened with this
couple who were headed to a hospital but their baby just couldn’t wait!
“It’s Almost Out, It’s Coming Out, — Tell Me What To Do Please.”
Image courtesy: theAsianparent, Malaysia
Erika and Troy Campbell were heading to the hospital when circumstances forced them to deliver the baby themselves.
Their daughter’s dramatic birth was captured on the camera as the dad began filming it after his wife’s water broke. Erica called her midwife who understood that her baby was in no mood to wait, so she advised them to pull over to the side of the road and call the ambulance.
The dad did exactly what he was advised by the midwife to support his wife’s delivery. In the clip, the panicked dad was heard saying, “It’s almost out, It’s coming out, — tell me what to do please.”
After the baby came out, she was placed on Erika’s chest, and they wondered why the child was not crying. Finally, 20 seconds later, the baby girl cried, offering her parents a sigh of big relief.
Baby Birthed In Car In Singapore
Another similar incident took place in Singapore last month.
A pregnant woman delivered her baby inside the taxi, just 10 minutes after boarding it. Like Erica, even she was also headed to the hospital, but the baby couldn’t wait!
Thanks to the support of the cab driver and passerby, among whom there was a
doctor, the woman could give birth successfully.
These incidents highlight that while you may prepare for normal delivery, your little one may have some other plans and they might not be in sync with yours.
So, don’t feel unnerved when you hear about such incidents. Instead, take the learnings and prepare yourself better along with your partner for this day!
Ways To Prepare For Normal Delivery
Preparing for labour and delivery is actually quite similar to preparing for a marathon. You need to prepare yourself physically and also mentally so that you can have a positive childbirth experience and a faster recovery.
However, it is not just the pregnant mum who needs to prepare for normal delivery, but her partner also has a huge role to play.
To all the dads:
Her due date is fast approaching, and your heartbeat is up! While you are excited to hold your baby in your arms, there is also fear and uncertainty about the future. But as a partner, one of your main goals is to stay calm and provide support to your wife during the
childbirth process.
You will be the point of contact for all sorts of duties–from being the chief distractor, punching bag, to cord cutter, your role is very crucial.
Here are some tips so you can proceed with patience and confidence during this period.
5 Ways Partners Can Offer Support During Labour
Image courtesy: iStock
Prepare a plan
A plan always comes in handy and gives you confidence if you are prepared for it. For instance, a few weeks before her due date, you can find the best route to the hospital.
This will also give you an idea about the time it will take to drive down to the hospital during peak office hours vs non-peak hours.
You can do mock runs with your pregnant wife as well. This may prepare you for how you need to behave during stress hours. Also, check if your vehicle fuel is sufficient a few days in advance.
Know the different stages of labour
Start reading up about the different stages of labour and what to expect. For instance, early labour is when your partner’s contractions will be mild and they will be spaced out around 20 minutes and not consistent.
This stage can go on for hours and even days.
When the contractions become intense and they last for about 40 to 60 seconds, it is likely she is entering the active labour phase. It is time to then call the doctor or the midwife, who can guide you on what to do.
Spread the Zen
Other than offering distractions to your wife, your most important job is to keep her relaxed and calm.
Engage in some muscle relaxation exercises to soothe her nerves. If she wants a gentle massage, you can do so on her neck or back. Hold her hand during those really tough contractions.
Support her body
When she finally starts to push, be there with her. Wipe her face and hold her hand. Small gestures such as these can keep your partner going.
You can also give her an update so she knows when the baby’s head is crowning and an assurance that the baby will soon come out.
Don’t hesitate to get hands-on
Depending on how and when your baby arrives, you should be prepared for the unexpected. If need be, you may be required to cut the
umbilical cord and also hold your baby right after the little one pops out. Get tips from before on what you need to do in such a situation.
When you finally hold your baby, don’t forget to thank your wife. She deserves all the love and attention for gifting you the most precious gift!
ALSO READ:
Singapore Woman Delivers Baby Girl In Taxi, Just 10 Minutes After Boarding It!
Baby Can’t Wait: Woman Delivers Child While Working From Home
Together Against RSV
SG60
Pregnancy
Parenting
Child
Feeding & Nutrition
Education
Lifestyle
Events
Holiday Hub
Aptamil
TAP Recommends
Shopping
Press Releases
Project Sidekicks
Community
Advertise With Us
Contact Us
VIP
Rewards
VIP Parents
