G'day all,
Just wondering what you think.
My lovely misses is about to give birth to our first child and I'm not sure if I should venture down to the angry end and view the birthing process.
I want to support her, and I'm naturally a curious bloke. I'm also a little bit scared of the show and think that what I don't know won't kill me.
What do you think? From those who've been in the room before, any regrets?
Cheers.
Birthing has come a long way, if you think you might get the squelches, just inform the staff, you are not the first or last, and although they try to keep an eye on you too, (nobody but nobody wants dad crashing onto floor potentially hurting himself), just remind them you may not last down the business end, (it aint the angry end honey, that's mostly the fun and some birthing business end
)
There are many scenarios and choices, once there and baby is on the way to meet you and mum you well get caught up in the 'moment' and be fine...or you may feel unsettled, bit too much theatre going on, that can be managed by staying closer up away from the action, you might even choose to go get some fresh air, how about crunching through a few 'possibles' scenario/strategies with your partner so at least you have a few plans up your sleeve, and she isn't left worrying about birthing and your wellbeing too?
Don't forget the benefit of some deep breath(s) either, sounds corny and filmish but it has a useful purpose. Other thing is have you had an opportunity to see the pre natal birthing films? Gives you a good idea in a roundabout 'what to expect'. Sometimes that can work for a support partner in a desensitising way..
Congratulations on the almost ready arrival of little Risky Business and hope it all goes well for all of you, but have a few plans, you may find you do just fine, or have a few moves up your sleeve. There is no set-in-concrete-thing, generally speaking it is a moment everyone works hard to make it the 'special' thing it is for the parents and baby...discuss it with your birthing team too, they have been there, done that and may have some other options for your consideration.