This week I thought we would talk a little bit about the responsibilities we have as being the “Rock” during labor and birthing. I say we are the “Rock”, because over the generations, men have been sort of molded as the person in the relationship that is stable when times are tough, calm when things get hectic, and strong when others are weak.
During this beautiful process of conceiving, our women are going through one of the most terrifying, nerve racking, emotional experiences of their lives.(and ours too!) That is why it was so important for me to put all of my feelings and emotions aside and basically be at my wife’s beck and call. Labor and the birth of your child are amazing! To see the steps that occur to bring these beautiful little babies into the world is wonderful. But it has its moments of question. I am not one to watch surgery on television. I cant stand looking at an open wound or a broken bone. So watching all of the poking and prodding, the needles in the spine, the different fluids that came pouring out( sorry for the graphic detail) was tough. When I could have easily lost control, I knew that I had to make sure my lovely wife was doing well, and had everything she needed. A lot of the time I was so consumed with tending to the Mrs., I simply forgot my certain fears and disgusts and was able to enjoy the process a lot more. My wife went through 24 hours of labor before needing a C-section to finally get our big baby boy out. She did a wonderful, amazing, astonishing job with the whole ordeal, and I am grateful and forever indebted to her for that.
As men we can be very good at pampering our wives, and also very good at forgetting to do the necessary pampering. When talking labor and child birth, there can never be enough of it!!!
Have a great week.!!!
-Greg
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One of the greatest joys of my life is having my two daughters. My first daughter was born in December of 2004 while I was away playing basketball and I truly wish I could have been there. Arriving to the airport and seeing my daughter for the first time was indescribable, I couldn’t believe my wife and I had created such a beautiful little person. When we found out we were pregnant again in December of 2007, I made a vow that I would be there for every second of the pregnancy. When we got back from Dubai I couldn’t wait to make midnight runs for cravings, give back/foot massages, go to birthing classes, view the sonograms-anything and everything baby related. As the weeks and months passed the anticipation was building, and with every kick and every change I became more and more excited for the big day. My favorite memory was looking forward to our birthing classes each week, and having that time with my wife to prepare and talk about our new addition that would soon be apart of the family.
I will never forget walking through Target when my wife stopped dead in her tracks, I just new this would be the day. We relaxed, watched the Olympics and witnessed Michael Phelps’s final race of the 2008 Games before we packed up and headed to the hospital. I had heard horror stories of women being in labor for 10 to 20 even 30 hours, so I was expecting a long and grueling battle for my wife. Fellas, let me tell you right now, that this was the easiest labor EVER. We got to the hospital at 1am and had the baby 7:50am. My main focus was to make sure my wife was comfortable and had whatever she needed; rubbed her back when she wanted it rubbed, and left her alone when she wanted to be left alone. As husbands/partners all we can do is be supportive and understanding throughout the miracle of birth.
The most amazing part about our experience is that our child came out on her own. My wife was in position to push and ready to go while we (my wife, the nurse, and myself) impatiently awaited the arrival of the doctor. This never happened. Before my wife even had the opportunity to do the routine pushing, the baby wiggled her way out. We couldn’t wait for the doctor so the nurse finally told my wife she had to push. Half a push later we had a beautiful, healthy, 8lbs. 2 oz. little girl. So while I missed the birth of our first daughter, I actually had to assist in the birth of our second. It was truly an unforgettable experience that I will forever cherish. The icing on the cake was introducing our two girls. It was a beautiful day!
-Gabe
Toni Danielson, ad agency working mom of a big brown-eyed little man, wife to an amazing husband, Digital Media Lover. Blogger. Infographic-obsessed. Expat. Happy Hour Mom. BBall Wife. Not all in that order. Join me in my journey to become the ultimate Happy Hour Mom!
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