How a Husband can Make Childbirth Easier for their Wife

Childbirth is one of the most difficult and painful events a woman might have to go through, but it is also one of the most amazing. A husband can help make this miracle easier for his wife in a variety of ways.
He can help her prepare for it
The first part of making childbirth easier is to help her get ready. The wife might want to take Lamaze classes at the hospital, for instance. They often invite the husband to these classes, as well, and being there to support her can help her when the actual time for the childbirth comes. You can also learn about the different issues surrounding childbirth such as pain relief and when a c-section is necessary and more importantly when it is not. You can learn about techniques that may help the childbirth easier such as birthing in the water.
Be there
When your wife is having a baby, it is very important for you to be there for her. There is very little that is more important than this. It is unfortunate when you hear a story of a husband choosing a sports game or something else over the birth of their own child. Unless the woman does not want you or you truly have a commitment you cannot ignore then you should be there.
Be supportive
Tell your wife that you love her. Tell her things that she would want to hear. Be encouraging. Tell her how brave she is and how she is doing great. Let her know that you are there for her no matter what. As she is getting through the contractions, tell her when the worst is over and applaud her for each one. Do to let her feel guilt over her decisions. If she needs to get pain relief, for instance, and is beating herself up over it, then tell her that it is okay. Remind her that she is about to meet her child.
Distract her
Your wife may have an easier time if you can help distract her a little bit. Act silly and make her laugh. Tell her a funny joke. Remind her of a great time you had together. You can even lead her through meditation to calm her.
Massage her
A lot of women find that massage helps comfort them while they are in childbirth. You may be able to help her relax while you are doing this.
What makes a childbirth easier for a wife will be dependent on her and her needs. Let her do what she needs to whether it is squeezing your hand until you have no feeling or cursing you out for putting her in this position. Be what she needs you to be, and soon the childbirth will be over and you will have your new miracle in your arms.