A recent survey showed that 94 percent of fathers-to-be where present at their baby's birth. In the 1960's 27 percent were present. Forty years ago few fathers were there at their children's births. They were straitjacketed into a role that excluded them. Today partners are very much encouraged to attend the birth.
Plus it seems most women prefer to have their partners present for emotional and practical help. Some doctors feel that a partner can be more of a hindrance than a help though. A calm practical partner really can make a genuine difference in helping a woman feel relaxed and safe. She's in extreme pain, probably with strangers talking in medical jargon and in unfamiliar surroundings.
If you have taken the antenatal classes with her then you're a valuable member of the team. The staff will be looking to you to help keep her calm and regulate her breathing.
But you do need to check that she wants you there, she may feel best supported by a sister, mother or best friend. If you and the mother of your child are separated and she doesn't want you there, it's best to respect her wishes. You could make a stressful situation worse.
The birth of a child is not a repeatable event and should you miss it, it's gone forever.
To learn more logon to WorkLife Essentials®
0 comments:
Post a Comment