You've grown a tiny human in your belly for nine months and you're about to give birth. As a mom-to-be, your role in this whole baby-making adventure is clear. What's less obvious is how your partner can best support you on the big day. Here are ten essential jobs for dads in the delivery room:

1. Bell Boy. You're carrying the baby. He can carry everything else, even if that means hauling your bedding from home and a ton of clothes and books you'll never need.

2. Valet Parker. The pain of labor makes you wish you could be airlifted into the delivery room. The next best thing is for your partner to drop you off curbside while he parks.

3. Documentarian. Many dads in the delivery room enjoy capturing the miracle of life before, after, and even during the birth. Make sure your husband understands that he's also responsible for deleting any photos where you appear to have more chins than the baby.

4. Massage Therapist. Whether you need deep pressure on your lower back or gentle stroking of your sweaty hairline, your partner's touch can be a powerful comfort. Except for those times when you're screaming, "Don't touch me!" That happens.

5. Personal Trainer. When I gave birth, my partner was told to pin my knee back near my ear while I pushed. I liked that way it made me feel like we were on the same team.

6. Communications Director. Put your partner in charge of texting, calling, uploading photos, and conveying your baby's stats to friends and family. Remind your mate that all communications should reference you as "beautiful" and "amazing."

7. Waiter. It's hard getting out of those adjustable hospital beds — better your partner should retrieve whatever drinks and snacks you require. (In my case it was Krispy Kremes.) And don't feel bad — this is the last time anyone will be waiting on you, like, ever.

8. Nurse. Nothing brings a couple closer together than admitting you need some stool softener, STAT, for that backed up situation you've got going on since the birth. Don't be shy about enlisting his help; taking care of you is good practice for parenthood.

9. Car Seat Installer. Most hospitals won't let you leave until your infant is secured in a car seat. While you're dressing baby in her adorable going-home outfit, your partner can do one last practice run with a teddy bear before strapping your precious cargo in for the ride home.

10. Daddy. Once the baby's out of your body, Dad finally gets his chance to be hands-on and it's a beautiful thing. Word to the wise: Try not to micromanage. If your partner gets comfortable changing diapers in the hospital room, he'll do it at home, too.

With so many crucial roles in the delivery room, you partner will be busy —possibly even busier than you. But gentle reminders that he does not have to push a melon out of his crotch should keep him working without complaint.