What to expect when your partner is expecting?

It can be an anxious time when you and your partner are expecting a new born. But it doesn't need to be a time for worry, but a time for excitement about what lays before you. If you are like me, you will think that when a women goes into labour you have only mere moments for a crazed dash to the hospital, when in fact you usually have far more time than you think. I think we have been brain washed by watching unrealistic TV programmes about the speedy arrival of newborns. In our case we had at least 3 hours before we really needed to be in at the hospital after my partners water broke and labour began, but playing it safe is not a bad way to be and arriving safely with plenty of time to spare is probably wise. However you need to trust the instincts of your partner, who will know when she must leave for the hospital. The hospital midwives are also a source of great comfort and assurance and are only a phone call away 24 hours a day. So if your not sure what's going on and if you should be worried, give them a ring and they will provide you with helpful advice.

Before the big day (or early morning) arrives, make sure you or your partner has packed a bag full of goodies for the Hospital, as you will probably be there for some time. There are three categories of stuff you should have:

* Baby clothes, nappies and wraps, baby capsule
* Mum's clothes (multiple changes suggested)
* Stuff for dad to snack on during the many hours waiting

Once labour has started, you will need snacks and drinks close at hand for the dad to be. You can very hungry being up and awake at crazy hours of the night or morning, waiting on your baby to arrive. Your partner will probably only want water (very cold water) during the labour, and eating is discouraged for mums, luckily she probably wont be thinking about eating anyway during this period.

Brendon