Does dad need an invite?
Fathers need no invitation to the baby's birth. It's normal practice for dads to coach their partners through labour as well as through prenatal classes and to be an active participant in the delivery. But if your partner is not available, invite someone else to fill that supporting role. A woman in labour needs an emotional bolster. As hospitals cut back on staff, you may find it helpful to bring your own support staff -- which should ensure that you'll get ice chips or a back rub when you need it.
Questions to consider
A private, intimate delivery is the alternative chosen by many couples. However, some like to have a second support person even when the father can be present. How do you choose that special person who will help you and your partner bring your baby into the world? You might ask a friend or a relative -- maybe your own mother or sister. It's one of those jobs that can aptly be described as woman's work. Apart from their male partner, women tend to favour having other women around them as their active support during labour. But both partners must feel comfortable with the support person, since you will all be spending hours together in very close quarters.
Your second support person should be someone who:
• is available day or night and able to take time off work, if required.
• will prepare for the role by reading about the process of labour and delivery, by meeting with your doctor or midwife, and by attending one or more prenatal classes with you.
• supports your expectations for labour and delivery, including your preferences on medication and medical intervention.
• will remain calm and communicative.
• will support the baby's father if he becomes anxious.
Page 1 of 2 -- Learn about the role of midwives and doulas on page 2
