Nothing but nothing will fully prepare people for the reality of birth.

Even if you are going for a clinical birth of ceasarian, be prepared for anything.

Blokes need to realise that being slightly out of arm's length at this time, though not out of the picture so to speak, can be an advantage.

Emotions run high when someone you care about starts to really 'labour', especially in the later stages.

Giving birth can be a very disempowering process, as most people do not know or understand exactly what is happening nor what options are available at progressive stages - even if there has been extensive prepartion prior to this event, logic and clear thinking can quickly disappear when pain and stress starts to dominant - remember, the best thing about birth is that it reaches a conclusion, rather than being an never-ending TV soapie - and most importantly, remember you have the right to take a few breaths yourself before making any 'instant decisions' and the right to ask questions of the 'experts' no matter what is happening, or to be affrimative with your wishes.

Keeping on breathing well (down the stomach regions especially) is important for all involved - the brain needs oxygen (and water) to function properly.

Having cool water to drink and a bit of your own food is a good idea - chocolate is a good source of energy and there is some connection with the consumption of brown chocolate by the carrier and babies being able to pass solid waste easily (although not a good idea in the long term when breast feeding as diahorrea can quickly result for the bubs) - which is an important event to occur for newborns.

And when the child is born, it is not unusual to feel a 'full range of emotions', especially within what would amount to a few seconds immediately after the birth - maybe the birthing person will feel little else but relief in those first few seconds after the baby makes their entrance, but anyone else there will certainly have an extremely emotional experience.

Being there at the birth is an important modern day event for blokes, although be prepared for unpleasant sights as a favourite playground of yours, totally becomes the 'birthing canal' - maybe your thoughts about that playground will be changed forever - which may be one good reason why tradional societies treat child birth as 'secret woman's business'.