Remember that you are also your own support team and soon to be the baby’s support team as well. So you must take care of yourself. At the same time, since this is not about you, you will need to be stealthy and opportunistic when it comes to taking care of your needs.
1. Catnap if you can.
As we stated earlier, labor can last a long time, maybe even through the night-maybe even into more than one night. It’s nature’s first introduction into the hell of sleepless nights you are about to encounter. Catnap when you can-especially while the mom is able to catnap, whether from sheer exhaustion or from a temporary break in the immediate action.
2. Do not let your stomach growl during labor.
The cafeteria might be closed at night, so be prepared for the long haul with some dollar bills for the snack machines. There will be no running out for some fast food; the baby has a mind of its own and might come sooner than expected. Just remember not to eat in front of your wife, if at all possible. You just never know what
might set her off at this point: food fumes or simply fuming over your apparent gustatory enjoyment.
3. Try to keep hydrated.
Another good reason to befriend the nursing staff. They can supply you with a pitcherful that you can then re-supply with water as needed. Be sure to drink up. Water can do remarkable things for keeping you alert when fatigue starts to set in.
4. When possible, take a jog around the ward.
Another good way to get your circulation going and blow off a little steam when/if there’s a break in the action.
5. Find your mantra. Repeat as needed.
Maybe it’s as simple as telling yourself, “We’re almost there,” but giving yourself some positive affirmations to keep your mind focused and yourself outwardly calm for Mom’s sake is a very good idea.
6. Check in with one of your boys.
Judiciously, quickly, get in a call to one of the posse, preferably one who’s been through this all before, to let him know where you are in the process, and vent a little. Maybe even catch up on a score or two.
Note: Whether in search of a snack, hydration, a breath of fresh air, exercise, or a better cell phone signal, you may be tempted to step outside the hospital for just a moment. Always a dicey move, especially at night. Just ask Daddy Brad. He bolted to fetch the camera from the car and found himself locked out of the building as the birth of his daughter rapidly approached. Avoid looking like an escaped mental patient, flailing your arms in the night, by staying put and not leaving the building after hours.
