Question/Answer Session on Homebirthing - For Our Men Only

Here's an opportunity in response to a couple inquiries from those *outside* of the group, but in our circle of friends. Note: This meetup, and its concepts, are driven by the desire to foster a successful relationship and shared experience between the mama and the papa during one of the most profound experiences either will have in their lifetime. It is not to in any way intended to tear down, discourage, or point fingers at either person in the partnership. Please don't use this opportunity for manipulation. Additionally, in effort to not alienate any of us, please understand that if you do not have a male partner involved with your pregnancy or your children, for whatever reason, there is no judgment being passed here. The need for the men that are involved to seek each others' support is echoed over and over, albeit quietly in most cases. This is a chance for our guys to speak up loud enough that they can hear their own voice, without having to worry that their pregnant partner is going to bite their head off for having an opinion or thought that differs from that of her own. For our men only, a chance to meet to ask (other men) their questions, resolve their hesitations, and learn the value and benefit of the choice to birth outside of a hospital setting. New and veteran dads are encouraged to attend. Guys, here is your chance to ask and get answers, from another man's perspective. - What if something goes wrong? - What if the baby comes out not breathing, or some other issue? - How do I know for sure the midwife isn't just making things up, feeling and measuring, and asking so many questions... - What if something goes wrong with my partner (wife, girlfriend, whatever)? As a first time dad, Russ's greatest concern was that something would happen to me, and he'd lose his wife. As a veteran dad now, and since he hasn't had the chance to do it again yet, he thinks his concern will be more along the lines of not getting enough sleep the day before to make it so he can marathon with me, without struggling to keep up. :) Our men have a completely different perspective than women do on the entire process, from before it began all the way through to the moment they first hold the tiny little one they can only marvel at. And not to be forgotten, the choices that then must be made during the first months of life. I think women sometimes get so wound up in the experience of their own body that the men are just sort of tagged along... and some of them drag their feet. However, if we made the knowledge (the rendition that makes sense to them) available to our men, sought their opinion and input, and together supported one another fully and in patience, there would be fewer men left out either by their own resistance or by the woman who loses site of just how important her man is, on all levels. ~~~~~~~~~~ In our society today, pregnancy and birthing seems to have become the woman's right to manage as she sees fit. This perspective is a very valuable one on one hand, and yet a damaging one on the other. Our ability to make the choices we wish where our own body is concerned is of paramount importance, but of equal importance is our responsibility to include our men and seek to be in agreement with them. In the same way, our men must take the responsibility of being actively engaged in the process, asking questions, seeking information to resolve their own concerns, and doing all they can to share the experience with us, and often carry the weight with us. ~~~~~~~~~~ Led by Russ, a Papa to a Lilbug that he and mama brought into our world together, in the safety and serenity of their own bedroom. http://www.homebirthdads.com/ http://www.firsttimepregnancy.com/242.html