Realistic expectations of the labor coach.

This descriptive, retrospective survey (part of a larger study) employed a questionnaire to determine the behaviors of 40 expectant fathers to the stress generated by their spouses' labors and deliveries. Results indicated that the experience was stressful for all the expectant fathers, and expectant fathers only coached their spouses with their breathing exercises at labor's peak. Fathers spent more time trying to hide their feelings and worrying about their usefulness. These findings have significance for the prenatal education of couples, the education of health professionals, and the practice of labor and delivery nursing.