In this DadLabs video Daddy Clay and Daddy Brad discuss the five phrases Dads should never say in the labor and delivery room. These five phrases should be avoided at all cost during the birth of a baby. Starting with number 5, Is that normal? Never show fear in the delivery room, and always stay calm and collected with your pregnant wife. Number 4 is avoiding anything that involves my Mom says. While experiencing childbirth the last thing your wife wants to hear is any advise or anything to do with her mother-in-law. Number 3 is to ask, why is the birth in the metric system? Do the math yourself and keep irrellevant questions out of the birthing center. The number 2 things to avoid is saying "I'm not sure I'm ready for this." It's too late to make that decision, and the most important thing is to be supportive during the child birth process. The final thing, and most important to remember is to avoid saying anything like "toughen up" and/or "suck it up". Baby Delivery whether natural birth or through a cesarean section is a very difficult process. If you have any questions make sure to ask your doula or your midwife, and most of all be supportive through the pregnancy. The Lab Ep 528 brought to you by BabyBjorn.

Daddy Clay: Daddy Brad, virtually any day now, you could get the call, and go rushing out of the office to the delivery room.

Daddy Brad: Yes, and my wife is getting ready to have the baby too.

Daddy Clay: So now might be a good time to review 5 things, a dad should never say during labor and delivery.

Brad and Clay, both dads, prepare to discuss labor and delivery, pregnancy, expecting dads and all the like. They drink beer in a most paternal way. Daddy Clay has note cards on fatherhood.

Daddy Brad: Today’s no-nos are brought to you by BabyBjorn. And why aren’t there yes-yesses? If there were yes-yesses, BabyBjorn would be one.

Daddy Clay: This one is for you Daddy Brad in honor of the impending birth of your third child -- 5 phrases to avoid while your wife is in labor.

Daddy Brad: Yes, I’m going to not need these very soon.

Daddy Clay: And let me say that we are grateful at DadLabs for your willingness to go to this length for the company.

Daddy Brad: You’re welcome.

Daddy Clay: Number 5. Even if you think you are keeping all emotion out of your voice, don’t ask, “Is that normal?”

Mommy Marcella, Doula: If the mom sees the dad have a feeling of panic or disruption it’s going to affect her nervous system and affect the process of the labor. It could even stop or slow down labor if she’s really worrying if the dad is worrying. While it’s understandable for the dad to be a little worried at times maybe he can go ask a care provider or a nurse about what’s going on and try to keep himself calm for the mom as much as possible.

Daddy Brad: HOLY CRAP! is another one to avoid in that vein. Reassuring and steady is what I’m shooting for.

Daddy Clay: Number 4 phrase to avoid. “You know honey, my mom says...” and then fill in the blank.

Mommy Tina: I think moms forget what it was like. The mother in law’s best way is to listen. Less advice is better. Maybe the mother could give her an important task outside of the room. You know, it’s a special time for the husband and the wife.

Daddy Brad: That’s a no. I know from the first two that childbirth is intensely personal. She doesn’t even want to hear about me. Much less the wisdom of the ages. I once started talking about the history of childbirth and got hit in the ear with an emesis tray.

Daddy Clay: Was it empty?

Daddy Brad: Thankfully.

Daddy Clay: Number 3 phrase to avoid while your life is in labor: “Why is birth in the metric system?”

Mommy Jodi: So when I’m in labor I like to be the one who’s funny but that’s just a personal battle between me and Owen. It depends on the momma and where she’s at but most women, especially when labor gets really intense, any talking at all feels like a lot. Dads should be listening to moms, listening to her words and also her body language and some moms will be totally fine with jokes but most moms will want a more serious tone in the room.

Daddy Brad: Hell, I’m not gonna make a joke again until Halloween. Laughing can be very painful immediately after birth.

Daddy Clay: Even worse with a c-section. Basically, humor and sex are kind of on the same schedule. Okay, number four phrase to avoid During labor and delivery: “Honey, I’m not sure I’m ready for this.”

Daddy Brad: Little late.

Daddy Clay: Probably missed your window there. Not that addressing your anxieties about being a dad isn’t important. We think it’s important. Set a date. Confide all your fears in your partner. Share with her your aspirations for the kind of dad you want to be. Just not while she pushing a baby out.

Mommy Tina: He needs to realize that there’s never a perfect time. Many moms and dads have done this in the past. Just try to relax and support his wife and really focus on the baby and his wife.

Daddy Clay: And our number one phrase for Dad to avoid during labor and delivery: “tough it out.”
Brad: “Bear down, honey. Bite the bullet.”

Daddy Brad: Thanks, Daddy Clay. I feel refreshed and ready for labor and delivery.

Daddy Clay: I thought, after reading your most recent blog that you could use some help.

Daddy Brad: Definitely.

Daddy Clay: Check out Daddy Brad’s blog at DadLabs.com. Add your own “phrases to avoid” in the discussion forums, and while you’re there. Pick up a copy of our new book, pick up a t-shirt and generally merch out.

Daddy Brad: We also want to thank our sponsors, BabyBjorn. You know I’ll be rocking mine. BabyBjorn. We’ll see you next time, here in the lab.