A letter to a Dad-to-be

Dear Dream Dad. We see you. We hear you. We support you.

Your role during pregnancy and birth is sometimes overlooked. Not with us.

You play a crucial part to achieve a Dream Birth experience.

So often, we hear of Dads not fully bonding with baby until its born. Dads tell us they feel like a spare part during the birth as it's not something that physically happens to them. This is so sad.

We are here to tell you that giving birth is not just an event for the mama even though it focuses on her a lot. You are an irreplaceable part of the birth, because it is your baby being born and you have all the right in the world to be present and experience that. Preparing yourself for the birth will ensure that both you and your partner, as well as your baby, have the best possible experience. It will also help you to get through any complications as a stronger, more solid unit.

We champion you to take control of the birth situation and create the kind of experience where you are an essential and proactive participant in the birth of your child.

How?

During our mindful birthing course, Dads are included right from the beginning. Here are a few principals we stand by.

Knowledge is power.

Having the right information can help ease your worries. Once you understand how the mind body connection works, the stages of labour and the importance of the Golden Hour, things can all come together, in a very calm and logical way.

Tools you need to master

1. Meditation

2. Mindfulness

3. Breathing techniques

4. Positive and strong mindset

Preparation is key.

With pregnancy and birth there are two main roles you have.

Knowing exactly what your roles and responsibilities are is so important. It pays off to make time during the pregnancy to fully prepare for your role.

We have simplified it to two main roles during birth.

1. Create and hold the space for your family

Your natural role is as the protector of your partner and your baby. Because she and the baby are both fully focused on the progression of the birth, it is your big responsibility to protect the birthing environment.

2. Protect the Golden Hour

The moments after birth are critical in forming a relationship with your baby. The natural place for a baby is in skin-to-skin contact — either with mum or dad. Skin contact at birth activates the sensory mechanisms of your baby and gives her a sensory imprint of love and happiness, that she will carry with her for the rest of her life.

Practical tips for preparing for birth:

1. Make the birth plan together.

2. Make the post baby plan.

3. Pack the hospital bag together.

4. Take snacks for the birth.

Juicy fruits and juices will give her energy - remember to pack snacks for yourself too.

5. Discuss with her what she wishes you to do in the birth.

6. Practice gentle touch massage.

7. Learn how to put the baby car seat in the car well before the due date.

Don't underestimate your role

So, Dads, please don't underestimate your role during pregnancy and birth. You are an integral part of supporting your Dream Mama and baby. It starts from the very moment you find out you are going to become a dad and what you will learn from our course are lifelong skills you will take with you on into parenthood.

We know, first-hand how important our birth partners were. We were so proud of the way they prepared and kept their cool during birth. We couldn't have done it without their support.

The Dream Dad's Handbook

To make learning about your role during pregnancy and birth that bit easier we have created The Dream Dad's Handbook. A very simple yet effective book that covers your role and responsibilities including the do's and don'ts, what to pack for your hospital bag, writing the birth plan and all the tools you need to experience a Dream Birth.

Please reach out to us for more information. We would love to connect with you and support you during this special time.

Dream Dad, you got this!!