( L - R ) Davidson, Linton

This is the second instalment from the soon-to-be-published book by Drs Faith Linton and Barry Davidson.

There was a time when fathers did not have the privilege of remaining with their wives, either in the labour ward or delivery room. Everything to do with childbirth, with preparations before the birth, and with the care of the young child afterwards, was considered a woman's business. This is changing. Some doctors and midwives tell us that pregnant mothers tend to be more relaxed and to have an easier, shorter labour when their husbands are allowed to be present at the birth.

These mothers would agree with Jennifer that they were glad their spouse could be with them at that time.

Care and attention

Childbirth is one of the most significant experiences in a woman's life. The woman who is in labour needs trained, experienced care and attention. She also needs emotional support. Her state of mind can affect the way she experiences childbirth. For example, if she is very nervous and scared, her muscles become tense and tighten up, causing pain. Her husband can make a big difference to her state of mind.

There are many couples nowa-days who attend special classes together during the pregnancy. These classes help to prepare both mother- and father-to-be for the event of childbirth. They learn about the birth process. They also learn to do certain physical exercises, one of which is deep breathing, as a means of relaxing the whole body. These exercises are mainly for the mother's benefit, but when the father does them too, he gets a better understanding of what childbearing means. He is, therefore, able to give intelligent support and encouragement to his wife during labour.

Experiences

Shared experiences such as these tend to strengthen the bond between husband and wife. In addition, when the father is allowed to take part in the birth process, and when, like David, he is one of the first persons to see and hold his child, he is likely to become deeply involved with the child right from the start. Studies have shown that the father's involvement with the child has a positive effect on the child's early development. The earlier the father becomes involved, the better for the child.

Send feedback to phyllis.thomas@gleanerjm.com.