The Last Few Meters – What You Should Prepare as a Dad Before the Birth

You can feel it in the atmosphere. There’s something in the air. Conversations almost only revolve around, “What if it starts today?” And you find yourself checking your phone more often than you’d like to admit. Yes, the last few weeks of pregnancy are intense—especially when the big day is just around the corner.

What many men (myself included, back in the day) underestimate is this: we can and should prepare ourselves well. Not just mentally, but practically too. Because when the call or the panicked look from your partner comes with the words, “I think it’s starting!”, you don’t want to run around like a headless chicken wondering what else is missing.

So here are a few things you should take care of NOW, so you can keep a cool head when the crucial moment arrives.

1. The Hospital Bag – More Than Just Clothes

Your partner is probably already packing her bag — but you should check if everything that’s really needed is inside. (Spoiler: it’s more than you think.) And if she hasn’t packed yet, don’t hesitate to take charge yourself.

Here’s a checklist with the basics — of course, you can adjust it together:

For your partner:

• Health insurance card

• Comfortable clothes for the birth (e.g., a long shirt or blouse)

• Warm socks (seriously — cold feet during labor are no fun)

• Hair ties (if needed)

• Lip balm (the air in the delivery room is often dry)

• Snacks & drinks for before the birth

• Nursing bra & comfortable clothes for afterward

• Phone + charger (preferably with a long cable!)

• Toiletries like shower gel, toothbrush, etc.

• Clothes for the baby for the trip home

  
  

And: a good dose of patience and humor. Unfortunately, you can’t pack those, but you can definitely bring them along.

2. And what about YOU? Your Dad Bag

Yes, you need a bag too. Because depending on how things go, you might be at the hospital for many hours or even overnight.

Pack for yourself:

• A fresh shirt (you’ll sweat—guaranteed)

• Hoodie or sweater (hospitals are often chilly)

• Snacks (quiet ones—trust me, you don’t want to annoy your partner right now)

• Water bottle (filled!)

• Phone + power bank

• A book or playlist for calm moments

• Notebook or app—for first impressions, thoughts, and important info

  
  

Remember: You’re the calm anchor, the rock in the storm. And even if you’re freaking out inside, you need to appear calm on the outside. Preparation helps!

3. Test drive to the hospital — sounds a bit boring, but it will save you nerves

Sounds simple, but trust me: If you wake up at 3 a.m. and suddenly need to leave, you don’t want to find out then that there’s a new detour because of construction near the hospital. And you definitely don’t want to ask your partner, who’s in intense labor, for directions… (Trust me, you really don’t want that!).

So: drive the route to the hospital beforehand — ideally once during the day and once in the evening or at night. Check where you can park, which entrance you need to use, and how to get to the maternity ward. Some hospitals have specific procedures — for example, you might need to check in at the front desk first before going to the delivery room. Clarify that ahead of time. Also, keep in mind that you might only be allowed to accompany your partner up to reception and then have to move your car to the parking garage. Bring enough change just in case.

Extra tip: Save the route on your phone with an offline map — you never know.

Key points to consider:

• How do I get there? What’s the fastest way?

• How long does the drive take?

• Where can I drop off my partner? (Hospitals can be huge, and the maternity ward is sometimes in a completely different building.)

• Where do I park my car after dropping her off? (If needed.)

4. Prior To-Dos for the Big Day

• Fill up the gas tank (make sure it’s enough for the trip!)

• Install and test the baby car seat in the car (do this ahead of time, without rushing).

• Prepare family & friends (who will be informed, when, and how?)

• If you have another child: who will take care of them when you’re at the hospital? Grandparents? Friends? Arrange this early!

• Have important phone numbers handy (including hospital, department, doctors, or midwife)

• Check camera or phone storage space (for the first photos!)

  
  

5. Mental preparation – you’re not “just” there

Be clear: your role isn’t just chauffeur or hand-holder. You’re the emotional anchor. Your partner needs someone who’s present, who listens, calms, motivates—or simply shares the silence with her.

Talk with her beforehand: What does she expect from you during the birth? Does she want you to remind her to breathe? Should you ask questions if she can’t? Or does she just want you to hold her hand? Communication is key here. And the best part: you can figure this out before the labor stress kicks in.

Also be aware that the doctors or midwives might keep you informed about what’s happening. You might even have to make decisions on your partner’s behalf if things don’t go as planned. Talk about this topic early on with your partner.

Conclusion

The last weeks of pregnancy are exciting, emotional, and a bit like the calm before the storm. But: there’s a lot you can do to face that storm together.

Pack the bags. Drive the route. Ask questions. Be prepared.

And above all: be there. With your head, heart, and humor.

All the best — it’s going to be amazing.

Rafael

#ThePapaLife