MODULE 3
Becoming a Dad
b. Advice to Prepare Yourself for the Delivery
B. THE ROLE OF THE FATHER DURING LABOUR AND DELIVERY
In the past, few men were present during delivery. Today, things have changed for the better and your partner probably wishes that you will be with her during labour and delivery. You made your baby together, and it is together that you should welcome your baby into the world.
However, for various reasons, some men prefer not to be present for the delivery. It is a very personal decision. If this is your case, discuss it with your partner and make her understand why you do not want to attend. Help her find a partner you both trust to be with her during labour and delivery.
b. Violence against Women during Pregnancy
Violence against women often begins during the first pregnancy. All forms of violence can be harmful and must be taken seriously.
There are different types of violence. The following table may help you to recognize the different types.
A female victim of violence may feel anxious and depressed, have no self-esteem, take drugs and alcohol, have difficulty sleeping, and may lose her appetite.
Physical aggression during pregnancy can cause serious injuries to the mother and may cause a premature birth or an insufficient birthweight. Aggression could also lead to broken bones or haemorrhage in the fetus. Some mothers have lost their babies following physical violence.
If you are violent with your partner during her pregnancy, you need help immediately.
Nobody deserves to be treated badly; certainly not your baby. Talk to someone about your feelings and concerns. Inquire about organizations which offer help to violent men. Persons with special training will help you find solutions to end this violence.
a. Possible Emotions
Test Your Knowledge
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This is an exercise that will help you find solutions to cope with the changing emotions caused by your partner's pregnancy.
Click on the button that corresponds to the correct answer and check your answer by clicking on the "Check" button.
1 |
The best person to discuss my emotions with is my partner. |
2 |
A future dad needs to inquire about pregnancy as much as a future mom. |
3 |
The father should attend the prenatal appointments. |
4 |
Delivery is a woman's affair. It is up to her exclusively to decide what kind of delivery she wants. |
5 |
The father has an input on the decision to breastfeed or not. |
6 |
It is good to discuss the future during pregnancy. |
INTRODUCTION
The father's role during pregnancy is not limited to satisfying his partner's desires or rushing her to the hospital for the delivery. If your partner is expecting a child, so are you. Pregnancy is not only a woman's affair.
The future dad goes through a range of sometimes contradictory emotions. One day he is happy and proud, the next he is overwhelmed by the event and even sometimes feels powerless when facing all these changes. The father's feelings change as the baby's birth approaches.
All these emotions are normal. All dads experience their partner's pregnancy differently. It is important that you learn all you can about pregnancy in order to be better prepared for the great adventure of fatherhood.
A. THE FATHER AND PREGNANCY
You have found out that your partner is pregnant. For some, it is an expected event while for others it is a complete surprise. No matter what the situation is, the arrival of a new child in the family can provoke a variety of feelings for the father.
This section explores certain emotions you may feel. We offer you some advice that may help you cope with these new emotions.