Should Daddy be there?

There’s no right or wrong answer to this question, it’s up to each couple to make the decision themselves. The presence of the father in the delivery room can be a huge source of comfort and support for the mother, but it’s important that it is a shared decision without pressure from either party. Some fathers don’t want to be there for whatever reason, they could be frightened by the idea of birth, the medicalisation of the process, seeing their partners in pain or worried that they will feel useless or as if they are intruding in a very female domain. Talk it over and respect each other’s wishes. Don’t listen to anyone else’s opinion, even that of the medical professionals around you - it’s your decision and yours only.

• Early Signs
• Feelings of Heaviness
• Tiredness
• Loss of Mucus Plug
• Contractions
• Pain
• Timing
• Effects of Contractions
• Breaking Waters
• What Happens
• When should you go to hospital?
• In Hospital
• Examinations
• Monitoring
• Medication
• The Epidural
• Should Daddy be there?
• The Birth
• Stage One: Dilation of the Cervix
• Stage Two: Delivery
• Stage Three: Delivery of the Placenta
• Episiotomy
• Foceps and Ventouse
• First Minutes with Your Baby
• He cries!
• The Importance of the First Hour
• Early Care
• How long do you spend in hospital?