Men can deliver too
DR. GAURI RAJAT
THE HINDU Get involved: Show her you care. Photo: Thulasi Kakkat
Pregnancy-related advice usually focuses on the woman. But the man can do his bit too.
A husband's role in child birth is not just limited to rushing his screaming wife to the hospital and pacing nervously before the labour room awaiting the baby's first shriek; and for the doctor to say that both the mother and child are hale.
The husband should be involved in the pregnancy by actively participating in the process all through to feel responsible and proud as a father. Here's a quick checklist to guide you through pregnancy.
P for PREGNANCY TEST: When the initial pregnancy test is positive, rejoice and make your wife feel special and most-wanted. Give her a warm hug and this could motivate her to gain confidence and prepare for the trauma attached to motherhood.
R for REGULAR CHECK UPS: Ensure that you take the to-be-mother for regular checkups. And make sure of your presence every time, without making excuses, so that you can be a part of it. Hearing the baby's heartbeat for the first time even as he/she is in the womb is an once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. Remember the check up dates and expected date to let your partner know that you are not mentally and physically absent.
E for EMOTIONS: Don't forget that there will be tons of emotional changes during pregnancy, and your wife could probably not be herself. An expectant mother can have several mood swings including heightened anxiousness and could sometimes find her confidence wavering. It is the man's responsibility to assuage her confidence and bear with a smile even if she throws tantrums.
G for GEAR HER UP: When she starts throwing up all that she eats, try not to leave her unattended. She might not be weak physically but she certainly needs her strength by way of your attention and not to mention the timely medicines.
N for NUTRITION: This helps not just the mother but also the baby in her womb. Ensure that your wife eats a balanced nutritious diet and see that she does not skip meals. There have been days when she has prepared the three course meals for you, now is the time to show that you care.
A for ABDOMEN FEEL: The touch and feel of the baby moving in the womb is an exhilarating experience. It is important for a husband to see how the abdomen expands as months pass by. The kick of the baby inside between the 16 and 22 week may look like popcorn popping but it is an endearing experience because the baby is perhaps knocking to let you know how much he/she loves you.
N for NAPPIES: It is a completely different experience to clean baby poop and change diapers. Dads should learn to change diapers to strengthen the bond between him and the baby. Not all dads freak out while changing diapers but this could be a huge help to your wife
C for CARE: Several experts feel that a cool to-be-father inside the labour room with his wife may increase the production of oxytocin, which helps the process of labour. So it is imperative that the wife gets utmost care and attention during her delivery.
Y for YOWL: Be with her and hold her hand while she yowls in pain. Holding her hand at this crucial moment could be momentous for any wife.
Source/Link:
