10 Personalities of Dads At Birth

Back in the old days, Dads weren’t allowed anywhere near their laboring lovers. Some even dropped off their wives at the front door of the hospital and came back to pick her up a few days later.The Modern Man is more of a Dad, and it begins right away. Dads are reading and talking about birth and parenting, taking birth classes with their partners, and being physically and emotionally present and helpful on the big day.Just like women, men all have their own way of being present for a birth. They have varying comfort levels with the process, which, though we all have to push our comfort zones in birth, should be respected.

Here are 10 Birth Personalities for Dads. Most guys will fill more than one role during a birth.

Often in intense or natural labors Mom will say that Dad was ‘her rock.’ He calms her anxiety and keeps her centered with his calming presence and loving touch.

One of the simplest ways Dads help is to serve drinks to Mom, with bendy straw of course! Mom needs to stay hydrated, and she also needs to keep an empty bladder. So he reminds her to pee.

There’s nothing like a good, strong hip squeeze in the midst of labor. Some men do hip squeezes for hours, alternating using thier legs and arms.

Some women like to kiss and cuddle their way through labor, and the Lover dad is there to bring sweet, sweet loving to her with his magic touch.

The Holder of the Space is just there. He is there for her, present, and maybe that’s all. His constant, calming presence helps her to relax and feel protected. He often becomes more hands-on when the baby arrives.

Labor is a lot of physical work, and the Friendly Furniture dad is there to lend his strength and love. He may be a passive post for Mom to hang from, he may support her in a squat, be a lap to lean on, or hold an umbrella to keep the sun off.

There’s lots to be done when a baby comes. Things to be collected, water to be boiled, older children to attend to, birth pools to be filled, smoothies to be prepared, the thermostat to be fiddled with. Someone’s gotta do it.

The Dad Doula, or contraction whisperer, is the guy who is able to keep Mom’s attention and breathe with her, moan with her, talk to her, or otherwise actively help her through each surge.

One of the most important duties for the laboring mom’s partner is to be the bouncer. The Bouncer removes anyone who is messing with Mom’s ability to relax and feel positive. He asks for a new nurse, he sends his mother to the store for something that might be needed, he ushers the doctor into the hall and tells her that if she mentions a cesarean one more time they will leave the hospital without so much as returning the ugly gown.

Usually the person in the room who knows Mom the best is her partner. The Affirmation Machine knows just what to say and when to remind Mom of her own strength and ability. He is a loving coach, verbally praising her and often holding her hand.

And a bonus, beautiful, inspirational birth video for Dads and Moms.