Reality hits

When the couple starts their prenatal classes Dad is reminded that his partner will be giving birth soon, and he needs to figure out what his role will be in that process.  If he is ready to, Dad may also become aware of the very personal journey he will be making beside his partner while she labours and births their baby:  the emotional passage of becoming a father.

Many men are surprised to find out through their classes that they have a very significant role to play in the birth.  Their partner may have specific requests and physical needs for during the labour, but the one very basic need she has is that he be there.  She needs his familiar, loving presence to help create an emotionally ‘safe’ environment in which she can labour.  And she needs him to witness (and thus participate in) this momentous transition in their lives as a couple.