BEING DAD BLOGS

11 Tips for the Birth

Being a Dad 29/07/2009

It IS possible to avoid being a stunning failure at the birth of your first child - you do need to be prepared.  Here are some of the tips shared by guys from the Being Dad DVDs.

#1 Get set - despite your patriotic and hereditary ability to be in denial about this, scientists tell us that at least since 1994, pregnancy usually ends in a baby

#2 If it ends up a caesarean - DO NOT peak over the green flap unless you are VERY sure you can handle it.

#3 Despite probably feeling like an emasculated mess who is contributing nothing, even just being there during the birth will make your wife feel better.  You don't have to take charge, cheer her on or fix anything.

#4 Birth on average, is not a medical emergency.  Trust nature to take care of things.  Globally, its been going on for a few years now.

#5 The angry "this is all your fault..." stage (it happens...!) is actually a routine result of a hormonal change during the process that signals the last stage of the birth process.  But thinking about it, it probably is your fault, so suck it up, cowboy and let it slide.

#6 Don't feel any pressure to be down the catching end.  Do what you are comfortable with and be cool, calm and comfortable in your own skin for your wife's benefit.

#7 If you hear the word EPISIOTOMY or see a pair of scissors emerge, become consumed with interest in any thing else that you can find to look at.  Look away.  This is very important to your future well being.

#8 Watching a small person come out of a big one is one of life's great unexpected spectacles (refer point 1).  Prepare for immense pride in your wife's pain threshold and be thankful men are not required to do very much of this at all.

#9 Cut the cord - you will never forget it.  The cord is, however, tougher and more sausagey than you expect.  Do however, BE GENTLE and CAREFUL.

#10 As you were not paying attention in 10th grade science, you will be surprised by the birth of a second, slightly less attractive baby.  This is called the placenta, and has been very important in protecting and nurturing your baby.  It looks like a kilo of frozen meat in a plastic bag and is surprisingly big.

#11 The hospital stay will have put you in a false sense of security. Have the baby seat fitted professionally well before your missus goes into labour.  When its time to drive home, putting the baby into the seat for the first time is one of the world's most complicated things.  Unfortunately, this is strictly your department.  Pray there is no video camera to record it.  Drive carefully, dad.