Stepping Up: A Man’s Guide to Birth Coaching

A woman may be in pain during labor and delivery, and feel there's exactly one person she can blame for her current circumstances—you. Something you may do with a constructive motive, like reminding her to breathe as you practiced in Lamaze class, might trigger an angry response. If that should happen, remember that her response is the pain talking to you; take the shot, don't be critical or sarcastic, and give her some space. After a minute or two, get back in the game by asking how you can help.