by Kevin Lamb

Created on: November 30, 2008   Last Updated: December 02, 2008

The moment has finally arrived. Your water has broken. The Cervix is fully dilated and the epidural has worn off. The pain is getting more intense with each contraction as the baby's head is getting ready to crown. You manage to turn your head to look at your husband through your sweat stained eyelids and he looks as white as a sheet. His shaky wet hand is now cutting off the circulation to your arm as you breathe and push; just as the baby's head crowns.

You reach back to grab your husband's hand as a loud clattering of noise fills the room. Medical assistants scramble to catch the latest casualty in the delivery room; your husband has just passed out cold on the floor. You watch this tiny infant come into this world as your husband is wheeled out of the room. Now your partner has missed one of the most important events of his life, and of course you've just delivered your child alone.

Some men worry through pregnancy and fear delivery because they virtually know nothing about it. Years ago this scenario would have been accepted and understood, but today many choices could have been made to prepare the future dad for the delivery. One of the best ways to prepare both the mother and father for the delivery of their child is childbirth classes. Birthing classes are done to: bond, educate, inform, and help the couple work as a team during delivery.

Bonding between the couple is most important, not only for the mother and father but for the whole family. There are many changes going on during pregnancy, and childbirth classes help educate the future dad from the beginning of pregnancy, to the delivery of the newborn child. Information acquired during childbirth classes also extends past delivery and into the newborns life; which helps the future dad prepare himself for parenthood.

Childbirth classes usually begin at the third trimester or 7 months; although there's a wide range of classes which begin earlier and later in the pregnancy. Here are just a few reasons why future dads should attend childbirth classes.

Birthing classes explains each stage of pregnancy, and how the baby is developing through each particular stage. Classes inform the future dad about all the healthy changes which are happening during pregnancy, and also helps to educate him of any warning signs which may occur during the pregnancy.

Breathing and relaxation techniques are demonstrated during the childbirth classes, along with massage and distraction techniques which are also taught. The future

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