It would be crazy to say that dads have the most difficult job during the birth of their babies. No one would buy it anyway. Well, possibly other dads. But, let us not disregard nor overlook the unsung partner in the childbirth experience.
I only attended two births, but there was plenty of time to observe. It kept my mind busy, plus I enjoy watching the dynamics of people. The man of the house has to be strong enough to be gentle. He has to read his wife, turn on his finest sensors, develop an extra layer of skin, and sharpen his mental capacity for staying focused.
In retrospect, I feel badly that we didn't emphasize and encourage the dads' intake of protein and liquids. It's very possible this was part of their birthing class preparation, and I simple wasn't present to hear the information. It is vital that dad is just as energized and hydrated as mom is during the exhausting journey of bringing their new baby into the world. He is the one who is going to have to remain strong and focused, during the times when his wife is waning in her strength and confidence. It is his role to know which hat to wear at the appropriate moment, sometimes wearing two at a time, and knowing when to toss the one that is annoying his wife, though he has no idea why it's annoying her!
I witnessed some of the needed hats, and I noted some hats that could come in handy.
1. Coach - Leave the whistle in the locker room, but bring your ability to encourage, support, and build your wife's confidence in her game. Remember, SHE is the one on the field!
2. Cheerleader - No need for a skirt and pom poms, but you will definitely need to cheer in spirit, not in volume.
3. Masseuse - Your bride will require unending amounts of massage, and it is your job to know what part of her needs the attention, how much strength to use, and for how long.
4. Stabilizer - If the emotional storm starts rocking the core of your wife, you are going to be called into action to calm her. This hat may also require a creative mind and equal parts of gentleness and firmness. Good luck.
5. Psychic - At any time, without warning, the current hat you're wearing will change its affect on your wife, and it will annoy her. Toss the hat as quickly as you can, and keep trying on other hats, until one meets her approval. Psychic abilities to foretell the coming annoyance will be hugely valuable to both of you.
As this beautiful event begins to unfold, take a moment to breathe, and mentally shower yourself in the love that the two of you share. Imagine God's hands, lovingly holding your sweet baby in deliverance to you and your wife. You are embarking on the journey that leaves you with the most precious souvenir of your life together. Family.
1 comment:
As soon as Joe gets out of the shower he will be reading this post. :-)
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