1) Watch for postpartum depression in your wife. Be sure to recognize if it happens (it will to some extent). It's quite a big transition once the kid is born. It's 9 months of build up, and then over in a blink of an eye (well after 24 hours of labor/birthing for us).
Going home may be scarey for your wife as well. They have the support and care of the nurses, then feel overwhelmed at the idea of going home.
2.) If you have the opportunity to utilize a nursery at night for the baby, use it. Take advantage of any time that the hospital can give you to get some rest for your wife and yourself.
3.) I'd recommend going home at night and allow your wife to get rest in the hospital. It gives her some alone time with the nurses to get things like breast feeding straightened out. Plus you will be recharged for the next day to help.
4.) Bring a pack of wet wipes along with you to the hospital. They only supply dry wipes that you have to wet. Bring a pack of wet pamper wipes along... They are MUCH easier to deal with. (Ours had this problem... yours may too.)
5.) Take lots of pictures and video. If you wife has a c-section, this is of the up most importance. They won't remember much, and it means a lot to them to have videos and pictures of the big day.
6.) Talk to your wife that she may give birth naturally or by c-section. They have a tendency to get fixed on natural birth, then get shook by the c-section. Prepare her mind for it.
7.) Have someone to help for the first week or two when you get home. If your wife has a c-section, this is must! Trust me... it's a killer.
8.) Don't feel like you have to fall in love with your baby the minute she is born. This is something linked with the postpartum depression. Many times new mommies feel detached from their baby, and take some time to come around.
9.) Prepare to work your tail off Daddy. I'm not kidding. Your going to be worked to death the day of the birth. Be ready to help, and get dirty. It's a long day, and many hospitals ask the dad to actively participate in the labor and birth.
10.) Get the house setup like you are planning on having a C-Section. Your wife will not be able to get onto the floor, or traverse stairs but twice per day. I'd recommend getting a changing area setup near to your main living area. We cleared our dining room table, and setup wipes, diapers, and all our babies outfits.
11.) Enjoy the first weeks with your daughter. It's a unique time with your baby. They are so tired and cuddly. They love sleeping in your arms during the day while you guys relax and watch TV or browse the net.
12.) I'd recommend attempting to get your baby on a schedule right away. I believe this helps getting them to sleep through the night sooner.
Hopefully, this will help you get started. My wife and I had a baby girl last November. She is almost 4 months old, and is getting very aware of what's going on around her. Have a good time. When you child first makes her appearance, it's the most amazing feeling in the world. Time almost stands still. Let us know how it goes.
