PREGNANCY AND REPRODUCTION: FATHER BECOMES INVOLVED

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PREGNANCY AND REPRODUCTION: FATHER BECOMES INVOLVED

Wednesday, March 25, 2009 | 6:20 am

These modern days there is a tendency for the father to become more involved in the entire proceedings. This is a good thing, and more and more doctors actively encourage “father participation.”

This encourages the idea of sharing, of making the male parent feel that he is more than just an onlooker, and the person who is around to pay the bills. Involvement pays off. It brings both prospective parents into closer unity right throughout the happy months of the pregnancy.

Many hospitals and many obstetricians actively encourage the father to be present at the actual moment of the birth. In this way, he shares in a very real way the full mental and physical aspects of this wonderful event. He becomes part of the scene, and frequently lives every moment of the experience with his wife. Sharing the momentous event inevitably yields a warmth and humanity that can occur in no other way, and once involvement of this nature occurs, it is likely to continue for years to come. This of course, spells success from a very early date.

However, even though the idea of togetherness is an excellent one, and is used by many modern hospitals and obstetricians, do not be upset if your own doctor does not approve. Every doctor has his own ideas. These are generally moulded over a number of years, and he will set out quite clearly what he prefers, and what he feels is in your own interest. Some hospitals are not physically geared to have extra people around when they are not actively engaged in the working routine. But if the opportunity is given for father to be present at the birth, give the matter some thought; it is the experience of a lifetime.

Of course, there are many males around who are very strong and physically masculine—that is, until it comes to the sight of blood, and things like injections. Then, many of the bravest and most stout-hearted suddenly find their knees turn to water!

It is no joke, but a fact of life, and nothing to be ashamed of. But on numerous occasions, tough he-men have been known to faint dead away on the delivery-room floor when the going became rough, or the patient required an injection, or they caught a sudden sight of blood.

So, be guided by the advice your own doctor gives you both at the time. He is most likely to know both of you well, and from his experience, he will offer the most suitable recommendations, tailor-made just for the two of you.

*55/76/5*