One other consideration may be to hire a doula to attend your birth. Studies of the effects of doula support done by Klaus and Kennell have been analyzed and published. The results are astonishing. I am planning to support my wife. I attended the classes and know what I need to do to help her.
Fathers are an essential component of the labor support team.
During the birth the role of the father will be to give emotional support to the mother while the doula is there to support you both through the labor. The doula is not emotionally connected, and comes with her experience and knowledge of events that she knows are a normal part of labor. As my doula explained to my husband prior to my second son s birth, I will be there to help you to help her, not to take your place. The doula s role as advocate and communicator is also important. The doula will advocate for the laboring mother.