The Birth Partner: Childbirth Education & Dads
- Nov 13, 2013
- 2 min read
As written by my wonderful, loving, and witty husband, David.
Why Childbirth Education (CE) is important for the father as well...
1. OVERALL KNOWLEDGE OF THE CHILDBIRTH PROCESS (AND ANY EVENT OR PROCESS FOR THAT MATTER) JUST MAKES SENSE FOR US FATHERS. You wouldn’t do anything else of this importance without education. Imagine going to a baseball game without knowing the rules. Nothing would make sense.
2. CE MAKES THE WHOLE PROCESS MORE MEANINGFUL AND EXCITING FOR THE FATHER (HOPEFULLY IN A GOOD WAY). Again the baseball analogy: which is more fun? Going to a game where you know the players, stats, and team strengths makes the entire event way more meaningful.
3. CE TAKES AWAY MUCH OF THE FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN. You won’t be as likely to be surprised, and subsequently scared of the birth process when it throws in some curve balls (which it likely will). You’ll already know the process and you will be ready to respond if something goes “not as planned.”
4. CE MAKES YOU PART OF THE PROCESS. Although I concede the fact that the mother does 99.9 percent of the work during labor, being a knowledgeable birth partner will make you even more a part of this incredible event!
5. CE WILL MAKE YOUR WIFE FEEL LOVED. You will partner with her in a very real and tangible way, giving the support and reassurance needed during the birth process. It also lets her know you are invested in the event.
6. CHILDBIRTH AND ITS MANY DECISION POINTS LIKELY WILL REQUIRE YOU AS THE BIRTH PARTNER TO MAKE THE KEY DECISIONS. Your wife will be a little distracted. You may need to remind nursing staff of key birth plan wishes, and your knowledge of this plan is essential.
7. CE ENABLES YOU TO BE ASSERTIVE AS THE BIRTH PARTNER IF NEEDED. Of course we want to trust our birth team professionals. Years of education and experience back up their judgment. However, CE can help prevent you from caving in to unneeded intervention during stressful moments.
8. CE ALLOWS YOU TO “CUSTOMIZE” THE BIRTH PROCESS. Your wife may like to be massaged. Mine may not want to be touched. Your wife may want silence. Mine may want music playing. Exploring what works (and what doesn’t) ahead of time will greatly benefit you both during labor. (NOTE: All wives do not want your breath smelling like onions, jalapenos, or beef jerky.)
9. FINALLY, YOU ARE THE MAN. SO ACT LIKE A MAN. BE STRONG. LET WHAT YOU DO BE DONE IN LOVE. An uninvolved father and husband during the birth process likely will be an uninvolved father and husband afterwards too. Make the time during the weeks prior to birth to review learning points with your wife. If you are a Soldier overseas, then read a book on childbirth and share what you’ve learned with your wife on the phone. Ultimately, take ownership of your family!
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