You have made it through baby showers, midnight cravings, swollen ankles, and endless prenatal appointments. Now you’re staring down the final stretch. Delivery Day. And if you’re anything like I was equal parts thrilled and terrified take a deep breath. You’ve got this. And if you don’t feel like you do, keep reading. 

We call it “the Stretch”, a season that tests not just your body, but also your faith, patience, and emotional bandwidth. Let’s walk through this together and find calm in the chaos.

🎒Pack That Hospital Bag—Like a Travel Influencer Headed to a Birthcation

Let’s face it, Labor is not exactly a spa day but that doesn’t mean you can’t feel like you’re on a cozy retreat. We created a detailed checklist which we share in the book and packed early (from 36 weeks)! Here’s what made the biggest difference for me, and I’m confident it will make a significant difference for you too:

• A cozy robe that made me feel comfortable and easily accessible for cleaning and breastfeeding
  
• My favorite lip balm and some chewing gum (dry lips during labor? Real thing.)
  
• A playlist with everything from Maverick City to Sade—vibes matter, people.
  
• Snacks (because apparently, dads get hungry too 🤷🏾)
• A change of clothes for dad incase he needs to sleep over 
• My pregnancy pillow if you had one, the hospital pillows are never enough 
• Going home outfit for me and the little baby
• All documents in an envelope (names, insurance ID, emergency contact)
  

One mistake I made during my first pregnancy? I forgot an extra long wire charger, those hospital sockets are far plus I wanted to capture every moment that  I could

💅🏽 Yes, You Deserve That Mani-Pedi

Self-care before delivery isn’t vain—it’s vital. A day before my scheduled due date, I waddled into my local salon for a pedicure. I couldn’t see my feet, but I could feel the peace. There is something about having pretty toes when you’re pushing a human into the world that gives you a boost. Chef’s kiss.

Looking and feeling good boosts confidence, and confidence matters in the labor room. Trust me, even the nurses noticed. One of them said, “Ooo, fresh polish? She came ready!” You bet I did.

By Baby #2, I had my hair, nails and the beauty was popping. The pictures are definitely different, more calm, and more beautiful.

💬 Birth Plans: Not Just Pinterest Pretties

For me the preferred option was a C-section mainly because my children were more than 5kg. Doctors had suggested it and I was fine with it. I know a lot of couple may not agree among themselves on the birthing process, ultimately it is the woman’s decisions not anyone else’s.. But guess what? Babies always have other plans! and honestly, that’s okay. It taught me to hold plans with open hands. Sam and I had “The Talk” (yes, that one about birthing preferences), and it saved us from last-minute panic.

We discussed:

• Vaginal vs. C-section options
  
• Pain management (Team Epidural!)
  
• Visitors: Who’s in, who’s out
  
• Our “first photo” strategy: No double chins allowed. 😂
  

Mums, remember : your voice matters. Prioritize your needs, your body, your choices. This is your moment and you are in charge. 

🎶 Labor Playlist & Push Gifts— The DadHero Prep tips 

As the big day approaches, your presence and Preparation as a dad can profoundly impact the birthing experience. Labour can be physically and emotionally exhausting for both parents so your presence and energy are vital during this time.

Here are a few tips for dads:

• Curate her favourite music playlist: Music has a unique ability to soothe and uplift so compile her favourite songs,  soothing melodies, calming instruments etc…
  
• Be strong and ready: Get adequate sleep before the big day to ensure you are well-rested and alert
  
• Care for the mother while others focus on the baby: Once the baby is born, your spouse may feel overlooked as the focus shifts to the newborn. Be her advocate and support system 

🤱🏽 Unexpected Surprises (Like… Lanugo?!)

No one warned me that babies sometimes arrive looking like fuzzy peaches. Sam was very shocked as he had never seen a new born baby before, most people have not. Our daughter was fairer than we expected , had scanty head hair but a lot of hair on her forehead, dark ears with hair and an enlarged belly button while our son was very much darker than expected with a full hair and some yellowness in his tiny eyes—but he was beautiful. This is a reminder to embrace the unexpected features, laugh, cry, and take all the photos because those features change real quick. 

💡 Final Takeaway: Birth Is a Partnership

The labor room is not just about the mother—it’s about teamwork. The emotional, spiritual, and practical preparation you do as a couple strengthens your bond and sets the tone for your parenting journey.

So to all you MumStars and DadHeroes out there: This is your moment. Your story. Your miracle. Make it beautiful, messy, sacred, and yours.

Want to be better prepared? Purchase the Parenting Stepstool which includes a detailed approach to transitioning from partners to parents including the baby gear you need and the Hospital Bag Checklist and so much more from the SamEngee Family Hub website. You will be glad you did. 

📖 The Parenting Stepstool: Growing From Partners To Parents
Our book is a gift of wisdom and practical advice, inspired by our experiences of growing from a couple to a family of four.

🌍 Explore www.samengeefamilyhub.org
💬 Join the community, create your profile on MyHub, and access tools to help you grow
📲 Follow @samengee_family_hub for stories, prompts, and encouragement.

Looking for a community of like-minded parents? Join the conversation on Instagram @samengeefamilyhub and tag us in your birth prep moments with #StretchAndDeliver.
Ready to meet your baby? Let’s go! 💪🏾💛🍼