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Stories from the past can be very humorous to hear because some things related to childbirth have changed so drastically. A few decades ago, the woman was taken into the delivery room and the man was left to pace in the waiting room before handing out cigars. If the dad was allowed in, he had to suit up in hospital scrubs that resembled outfits worn at nuclear power plants. Today, things have changed and many dads play a much larger role in the childbirth process. Here are a few reasons why future dads should attend childbirth classes.

Times have changed

As mentioned, the world has changed a great deal. "Leave it to Beaver" is no longer the expectation when picturing the family situation. Granted, some traditions remain the same in other cultures, but in western society the male is playing a larger or different role. In addition, the delivery room is much more open and it is not unusual to have several people present during the birth. Many future moms have a spouse, a mother, a sibling, or a friend in the room during the birth. During the birth of my first child, my sister-in-law spent the entire time over the shoulder the doctor, as he explained to her what he was doing.

Partnership

The reason that things have changed is that the man and woman work much more as partners in certain situations. Marriage has always experienced different levels of partnership, but the modern manifestation of childbirth now has a larger role for the male. In addition to the childbirth class, some dads play a larger role in the overall raising of the child. Some dads are "stay-at-home" parents, while others spend larger periods of time on education, child-care, and transportation. Therefore, starting with the childbirth class is a logical place to begin.

Sympathy and support

Finally, when the dad participates in the childbirth class, he is in a position to have a greater understanding of the experience. In other words, the dad can provide greater sympathy and support during the birth. The dad can also help the mom navigate her way as she experiences the different phases. Many times the mom is in a great deal of pain and it is helpful to have someone who can answer questions or make certain decisions. Granted, the dad has be careful not to confuse sympathy with empathy. The mom is still the one giving birth.

Overall, a dad being a part of childbirth classes is a positive activity. It may be an uncomfortable experience for the man as he hears about all the physical and biological processes that will be going on. However, it is a way for the man and wife to more specifically partner during the process. The man will never be able to truly empathize with what the woman is going through because the experience is so pronounced. However, he can support her by being by her side, literally, throughout the entire process.

Learn more about this author, Todd Pheifer.
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