The Ultimate Labor Preparation Checklist for Dads

Labor day is coming—are you ready? While your partner is preparing her body, you need to prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, and practically. This comprehensive checklist ensures you'll be ready when contractions start.

4 Weeks Before Due Date

Get Your Logistics in Order

Hospital Route & Parking:

• Drive to the hospital during rush hour
• Time the route
• Scout parking options (emergency entrance vs. regular)
• Save the hospital's phone number
• Know which entrance to use after hours

Communication Plan:

• Decide who to call first (parents, siblings, close friends)
• Draft text message templates
• Set up a group chat for updates
• Designate a point person to spread the news

Work Arrangements:

• Notify your supervisor about potential leave
• Set up out-of-office messages
• Brief colleagues on urgent matters
• Prepare handover documents

2 Weeks Before Due Date

Pack Your Hospital Bag

Yes, YOU need a bag too. Here's what to pack:

Essentials:

• Phone charger (long cable!)
• Snacks and drinks (you'll be there a while)
• Change of clothes
• Toiletries
• Comfortable shoes
• Layers (hospitals are unpredictably hot/cold)

For Labor Support:

• Massage oil or lotion
• Tennis ball (for back labor)
• Your partner's birth plan (multiple copies)
• Bluetooth speaker for music
• Eye mask for you (in case you need quick rest)

For After Baby Arrives:

• Camera or good phone
• List of people to notify
• Going-home outfit for baby
• Car seat (INSTALLED!)

The Week Before

Final Preparations

At Home:

• Fill the gas tank
• Stock the fridge
• Do laundry
• Clean the house
• Set up the nursery basics

Knowledge Check:

• Review labor stages
• Practice timing contractions
• Know when to go to the hospital
• Understand pain management options
• Review your partner's birth preferences

When Labor Starts

Early Labor (At Home)

Timing Contractions: Download a contraction timer app or use paper:

• Note start time of each contraction
• Note when it ends
• Track frequency (time from start of one to start of next)
• Track duration (how long each lasts)

When to Call the Doctor:

• Contractions 5 minutes apart
• Lasting 1 minute each
• For at least 1 hour
• (Remember: 5-1-1 rule)

Or call immediately if:

• Water breaks
• Heavy bleeding
• Baby stops moving
• Your partner is in extreme pain

Active Labor (Hospital Time)

During Contractions:

• Be present and focused
• Help with breathing
• Apply counter-pressure if needed
• Don't take it personally if she snaps at you

Between Contractions:

• Offer water and ice chips
• Help her change positions
• Keep track of medical staff names
• Advocate for her preferences

Labor Support Techniques

Physical Support

Breathing Partner:

• Breathe WITH her, not AT her
• Make eye contact
• Keep it simple (in through nose, out through mouth)

Counter-Pressure:

• For back labor, apply firm pressure to lower back
• Use your fists or a tennis ball
• Ask "harder or softer?"

Position Changes: Help her try:

• Walking
• Swaying
• Sitting on birthing ball
• Hands and knees
• Side-lying

Emotional Support

What to Say:

• "You're doing amazing"
• "One contraction at a time"
• "I'm right here"
• "You're so strong"

What NOT to Say:

• "You've got this!" (can feel dismissive)
• "Remember to breathe" (she knows)
• "It could be worse"
• "Is it really that bad?"

After Baby Arrives

Immediate Tasks

In the Delivery Room:

• Skin-to-skin (might be your job if C-section)
• Cut the cord (if you want to)
• Take photos (ask permission first)
• Call family (after golden hour)

First Hours:

• Support first breastfeeding attempt
• Fill out paperwork
• Order your partner food
• Rest when you can

Common Concerns

"What if I freak out?"

You might feel:

• Overwhelmed
• Scared
• Helpless
• Like you might pass out

This is normal. If you need to step out briefly, tell a nurse. They've seen it all.

"What if something goes wrong?"

Have a plan B:

• Know the hospital's C-section rate
• Understand NICU policies
• Trust the medical team
• Stay calm for your partner

"What if I'm not helpful?"

Your presence matters more than perfect technique. Being there, staying calm, and showing love is what counts.

Mental Preparation

Expect the Unexpected

• Labor might be faster or slower than expected
• Plans may change
• Your partner might act differently
• Medical interventions might become necessary

Your job: Roll with it and support her decisions.

Take Care of Yourself

• Eat when you can
• Stay hydrated
• Take brief breaks if needed
• Accept that you'll be exhausted

Quick Reference: When to Go to Hospital

First Baby:

• Contractions 5 min apart, 1 min long, for 1 hour (5-1-1)
• Water breaks
• Vaginal bleeding
• Reduced fetal movement

Second+ Baby:

• Contractions 7-10 min apart
• Any of the above warning signs

Final Checklist

The week before due date, confirm:

• [ ] Hospital bag packed (yours AND hers)
• [ ] Car seat installed and inspected
• [ ] Gas tank full
• [ ] Phone fully charged
• [ ] Important numbers saved
• [ ] Work notified
• [ ] Route to hospital tested
• [ ] Parking plan confirmed
• [ ] Camera ready
• [ ] Snacks packed
• [ ] Birth plan printed
• [ ] Support person on standby (if using one)

Remember

There's no "perfect" labor support. Your partner needs you present, calm, and willing to adapt. Trust yourself, trust her, and trust the process.

You've got this, Dad.

---

Want more detailed guidance? Our Birth Day Game Plan in the Pregnant Men app walks you through all 6 stages of labor with stage-specific checklists and action items. Try it free or check out our complete bundle.