To help ensure a smooth pregnancy and delivery, it is important for couples to discuss key matters during pregnancy. The first topic to consider is the birth itself: whether to have a natural birth or epidural-assisted delivery, and whether to have someone present during the delivery. It is also helpful to discuss in advance who will be present and how they will be involved.
A supported birth refers to having a partner or family member present during delivery to share and witness the birth experience together. This can help the mother avoid facing the anxiety of childbirth alone, allow the partner to experience the birth as something personally meaningful, and help the family view childbirth as an important life event to welcome together.

The most important point is to place the mother’s feelings first and make the decision through discussion, rather than assuming from the outset that someone will be present during the birth. It is also helpful to roughly decide in advance how responsibilities will be shared after delivery, including what the father can do. The way responsibilities are divided will vary depending on whether the baby is breastfed or formula-fed, but couples should discuss who will handle feeding and who will change diapers, including during the night.

When it comes to household chores, deciding in advance who will handle cooking, cleaning up, laundry, grocery shopping, and cleaning—and when each person will take responsibility, whether by week or by day—can help reduce the burden on both partners. Since mothers are more likely to experience reduced physical strength before and after childbirth, it is important for fathers to set aside time to care for the baby so that the mother can rest.

It is also a good idea to confirm whether support from the grandparents will be available. Discussing how both the mother and father will take maternity, paternity, or childcare leave is also important. Rather than trying to decide everything perfectly in advance, the most important thing is for both partners to maintain a spirit of mutual support.