Comments on: Should Men Be At Their Child’s Birth To Support Their Wives?

By: Diana

Diana — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:32:08 +0000

Hi Emily…great to have your comments and you made me remember an occassion when I was caring for this couple and the ‘dad’ was getting anxious towards the end of labour and felt embarressed by his outward display of anxiety….the cure: when his wife went to have that luxurious shower after birth….I got the dad to take his shirt off and put the baby skin to skin covered in a soft blankett …he was mortified and asked “what do I do if he cries?”…my answer “you’ll be fine.” Twenty minutes later we returned to a sleeping baby and a new dad who looked so extatic you’d think that he had just given birth! You would agree I am sure Emily, as you know, that you have to be there!!!

By: Emily

Emily — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:19:39 +0000

I definitely agree with Diana. Im a student midwife myself and done a fair few deliveries myself now, i can tell you the partners are a great help. They dont have to watch the babys head crowning etc. or any suturing if they dont want to; they are there to support their partners, holding their hands, helping with breathing and just reassuring her that everything is normal and that she is doing great. I see so many men crying with happiness at the birth of their babies, i would hate to think that they should miss their chance to be their for their partner and baby in a time and way that could never be repeated.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:05:57 +0000

Sharing the birth with your husband or partner is the most beautiful thing in the world. I had two ceasarians and my partner was with me for every second of each one. Had I had a natural birth I can’t imagine him not being a huge part of it too.

By: Louise

Louise — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:14:34 +0000

spot on! I had 2 wonderful births with not only my husband to support me but at the first birth we also had my friend (girl) there to assist us. Neither labours were frightening but instead were rather relaxed and without the use of any drugs.

By: Penny

Penny — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:19:26 +0000

I have found this article fascinating. So full of common sense. So different to when I had children. I want to rush out in to the street and thrust it into the hand every pregnant woman I see.