Giving Birth with Your Partner: 5 Reasons to Do It!

Although partner-assisted childbirth has only recently emerged in our countries, it has already garnered both supporters and staunch opponents. The arguments of the latter generally boil down to three main points:

– Won’t the husband’s feelings cool after seeing what he sees?

– The woman feels embarrassed. She is ashamed of her appearance, the birth process itself, and her pain during contractions. The list goes on and on.

– The woman believes that a man at the birth only gets in the way; he might panic, lose consciousness, and thus distract the medical staff.

Note that all these points are women’s fears. Accepting the fact that childbirth is a natural process in which a new life is born will help you overcome your fears. This is far more profound and important than whether you’re wearing makeup or have your hair done. Moreover, after experiencing this moment together, your relationship will never be the same. It will become much more sincere and intimate.

You also shouldn’t worry that your partner might see something. Yes, he’ll be with you. But mostly he’ll be beside you or behind you. Plus, if you feel uncomfortable, you can always ask him to leave or send him to get some water. Conversely, if your partner isn’t there, he won’t be able to come to you at the first call (as you know, during preparation for partner-assisted childbirth, the husband undergoes a preliminary examination).

The arguments of opponents of partner-assisted childbirth do not take into account the husband’s wishes and opinion. It is rare for a husband to categorically state that he definitely won’t attend the birth. In most cases, with proper preparation, a husband will lovingly and eagerly provide you with the help and support you so desperately need.

Now let’s focus on the main arguments FOR partner-assisted childbirth. There may be many of them, but we’ve highlighted 5:

1. Your husband is your support not only in everyday life, but also in difficult life situations!

This argument is undeniable. Childbirth is an extraordinary situation where you desperately need emotional support and help. With a loved one by your side, you’ll feel more comfortable, calm, and confident. That sense of security will allow you to focus more on the process itself.

2. Your husband—caring and attentive—is an indispensable helper during this difficult time!

Seeing your pain and suffering, the soon-to-be dad will want to help in some way and ease your pain. It’s very important for you to accept this help. It doesn’t matter what form this help takes—whether it’s bringing you a glass of water or asking the OB-GYN additional questions. You’ll see, you’ll get to know your husband from a different perspective.

 

3. Childbirth brings you closer!

Childbirth is, in essence, a critical situation, and if you manage to get through it together, your relationship will only benefit from it. Empathy and support, as we know, also bring people closer.

4. There is nothing more beautiful than seeing your little one for the first time TOGETHER!

You will never forget this moment!

You won’t have enough words or tears, and you will certainly experience incredible HAPPINESS! It has been proven that in men who were present at the birth, the “paternal instinct” awakens almost immediately after the baby is born, rather than a month or two later. In addition, such fathers are more attentive and responsible; they treat their children in a completely different way. Seeing how babies are born, men also treat women with great respect, love, and care.

5. A husband present at childbirth provides additional oversight of the medical staff.

Childbirth is unpredictable, and so much depends on the doctors and their actions. A husband’s presence during childbirth is never a bad thing.

No matter what anyone says, no one can give you the right answer to the question: should you give birth with your husband or not? Only you two can answer this question together. There should be no coercion when it comes to partner-assisted childbirth. If your husband has firmly stated that he is not ready, then you should not insist. After all, childbirth is not entertainment, but a joint effort. And the husband plays a far from minor role in this effort. For information on what other assistance might be useful to you when organizing your trip, as well as during the birth itself, see here.