Husband Coached Birthing (Robert Bradley)

During the 9 months leading up to Rachel's birth Karen was reading various books on labour and delivery and I felt a bit out of the loop. So I got a copy of this book "Husband Coached Birthing" by Dr. Robert Bradley and read it. It wasn't the most exciting book I've read but there were some cool points he made that I highlighted:

In one chapter he asks: Is the husband really that important? Isn't it just easier for him to sit out in the waiting room until the "good news" comes? He lists these 25 reasons why it IS important for the husband to be there!

1. Who will go with the mother to classes to learn what to expect and how to help her in labor?
2. Who will encourage her to exercise during pregnancy?
3. Who will encourage her to eat well every day?
4. Who will help her in early labor?
5. Who will call the doctor or midwife when she's in labor?
6. Who will sign the admitting forms and answer questions?
7. Who will keep her relaxed?
8. Who will remind her to slow her breathing and relax again after something disturbs her?
9. Who will recognize the natural alignment plateau and keep her from getting discouraged?
10. Who will spoon ice chips in her mouth?
11. Who will wipe her sweaty brow while she is working?
12. Who will she rely on to keep watch and help her to avoid unnecesary pain?
13. Who will she depend on to tell her she's doing a great job over and over and over and over again?
14. Who will act as an advocate for the mother when decisions must be made?
15. Who will know what relaxes her?
16. Who will rub her sore back?
17. Who will hold her up in the shower if she wants to take one?
18. Who will sit with her in the bathroom when she wants to labor in there?
19. Who will help her find a good pushing position?
20. Who will hold her up in the pushing position, even for hours, if necessary?
21. Who will remind her to push to the point of comfort?
22. Who will relax her between contractions?
23. Who will tell her when you can see the head?
24. Who will share this special time of bonding?
25. Who will the mother say she couldn't have done it without?
The coach has a lot to do!! (pg 54)

Another good reminder for me was this:

Coaches have the responsibility to set the mood for labor. We tell them when they arrive at the hospital that they should say enthusiastically and with conviction tell everyone they come in contact with, "My wife's doing great" and "I am so proud of her" - frequently to as many people as possible. (pg 80)

And finally in the "Labour and Birth" chapter there was a great description of the internal miracles that happen during the first moments of life. What a joy it was to be there watching Rachel enter this world, take her first breath, let out her first cry and then see her cuddle up warmly on her mother's chest.

Internally, miracles are happening to your baby at birth. Valves are automatically closing in the umbilicus to prevent baby blood from running back in the cord. Valves are closing in the baby's heart, valves that remained open during the intrauterine life to direct blood through the cord and placenta to pick up oxygen and other nourishment from the mother via the placental surface. Other valves that remained closed are now opening for the first time, allowing the blood that used to go to the placenta for oxygen to circulate through the baby's lungs, which now contain air for the first time. Isn't it a miracle that these parts know how to do these things at the proper time? (pg 113)

Yet another reason I believe there is a very good Creator God!