Fathers at Birth

A father has commented on Spiritualbirth and brought to my attention that I emphasize the mothers and do not acknowledge the fathers enough. I apologize for this lack. In fact I encourage fathers to participate fully with their wives/partners in the process of birthing a baby, including the pregnancy and the parenting of their children. The lack of father-involvement is one of the major causes of antenatal and postnatal depression in mothers. Children grow and develop better

when their dads are part of their lives. Mothers are less afraid of giving birth when they have a good relationship with their partners. Mothers are better mothers when the father of their child is involved. Fathers also bond deeply with their babies at birth and frequently cry as their baby is born. It is easier to become a parent when you know you are loved by the father or mother of your child. This is a short post to honour the dads and how their love during pregnancy and birth contributes to the well-being of their partners as mothers and their babies. Please enjoy!

During the pregnancy it is highly beneficial for a couple to attend hypnobirthing classes or a specialised birth workshop together. This helps parents to address the emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of being pregnant and giving birth. It prepares the couple to lose their inhibitions during labour and really love each other so that labour progresses more easily.

Many fathers/partners enter the water to offer a cushion of support and strength to their partners who are giving birth. This helps a woman to be more comfortable, to trust the process and yield to the strong sensations as the baby moves through the birth canal and into the world. The father is often so involved in the process, it can feel as if he is giving birth too. We underestimate the father’s role in birth and parenting. He did, after all, contribute his 50% share in the conception, and his role as protector and provider is undeniable.

Blessed be all the fathers I have shared births with and come to respect deeply as they embrace the life giving process of fatherhood.