husband/partner during labour

[KaySteele]

Hi Mums,

Just wondering (This may seem weird) when your husband/partner in there during labour, what does he do? Was he freaked out about what was happening? How much did he want to see? Did it change his view after bubs was born in the bedroom?

[Nomadess]

I have no desire for my partner to see that! So I've always asked that they be there for ME and hold my hands. I give birth kneeling so it's not hard to keep their attention.
Both my ex and my DP are amazing birth partners when it comes to pushing, but slightly less useful when labouring away. Ex was too worried about himself being tired and DP was worried about getting the birth pool just right. Neither freaked out, but both are pretty capable men who can handle what was happening. Somemen can'tand if your partner doesn't want to be there, think seriously about having a doula.

Practice breathing, massage and counter pressure with your partner NOW so they know what they are supposed to do to help. Most birth books will have a section on how the partner can be helpful.

[frenchieM]

Well, my DH just HAS to always see how everything works and wanted to see DS born so watched everything including encouraging me by telling me how far the head was out etc.

He still finds me sexy so no problem there.

However, I did find it funny that he wasn't interested AT ALL in being at the "business end" when DD was born so I think it did freak him out a little the first time around.

[jayde84]

My DH didn't make it to the hospital before DS came out, but he did walk into theatre and saw my "guts" being held by three different doctors! He told everyone, and I think it gave him some appreciation of the extent of a c-section. Not sure he would be great while I was in labor, when I started bleeding at home I had to call my own ambulance because he was too mad at the universe!

[BrookeSyd]

Well, my DH just HAS to always see how everything works and wanted to see DS born so watched everything including encouraging me by telling me how far the head was out etc.

He still finds me sexy so no problem there.

Exactly the same here. He was brilliant during the labouring part - very supportive, rubbing my back, offering drinks, whatever I needed. And when it came to birth time he has been fabulous - encouraging me to push, and watching every last detail of the birth. It didn't freak him out at all - he went back and watched baby #2 so it can't have bothered him too much although maybe the tears blurred his vision!

Couldn't have asked for more from him.

[johannagoanna]

My first husband was absolutely useless with the birth of DS. He just stood there!! He didn't know what to do, after going to antenatal classes and thinking he knew everything. With DD1, it was elective C/S and he passed out!

DH (no.2) was wonderful for the birth of DD2. Unfortunately things went a bit 'wrong' and I had to have a general and he was turfed outside to wait. Afterwards he was amazing though, and upheld all my instructions.

Jo

[Turbo]

My DH was awesome On the way to the hospital, he stopped at the servo and stocked his little esky bag with chocolate freddos (my fave) and Take 5/That's Life magazines. During labour he was great. He kept offering me water and snacks. And when it got really painful towards the end, between each contraction he'd make me take a sip of water and he was stroking my head and telling me how well I was doing, as well as joking around with the midwife, which I didn't mind. He had no trouble looking down the business end hehe, although I don't think he'll ever get that image out of his head. So yeah, I couldn't ask for a better hubby, i'm so proud
P.S He even changed the first few nappies, which impressed me.

[~manda~]

DH was great, he did whatever I asked , offered drinks and reminded me of 'obvious' things like to breath lol. He had a bit of a look down the business end but as for affecting things after, its hard to say. He was a bit 'hesitant' but I think that was more because he was worried about hurting me.

[Koko]

My DH just did what he was told... mainly to leave me alone and let me go during labour!

He was great with the pushing stage and despite HIM saying that he didn't want to see anything, he watched both our babies being born and was absolutley amazed by it.

[LusciousMummy]

My DH has seen the birth of 5 kids, 6 by the end of the year and i mean seen and let me tell you it had no issue with him once again in the bedroom!!!
But i guess all men are different.
May be TMI but i actually felt DS as his head was coming out... Guess once again it comes down to a personal preference...