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15. Preparing for the Birth of Your Child, with Crystal Shields

Helping to bring your child into the world is your first opportunity to fully embrace your role as father. Yes, the woman does the hard, physical labor of actually birthing the baby. But there's an important role for the father to play as well. We're joined in this episode by Crystal Shields, a doula from Knoxville, TN, as we dissect the labor and delivery process and explore the father's role in this life-changing event. Topics discussed include:

  • The role of the father during the birthing process
  • Why it's normal to feel apprehensive — and how to shift your mindset for a more rewarding experience
  • An explanation of the three stages of labor, and how the man can support the woman during each
  • Is there a lot of blood?
  • How to prepare to bond with your child after he/she is born
  • Ways to overcome feelings of helplessness
  • Funny, real-life stories of birth experiences (note: don't take anything your wife says during labor personally)
  • And more!

A lot of men go into the birth of their child ignorant about what's about to transpire. After listening to this episode, you won't be one of those men. More importantly, you'll know how to support your wife, prepare to bond with your baby, and overall participate in the birth of your child in a meaningful way.


RESOURCES

To learn more about the childbirth process and further prepare for the birth of your child, here are some of the resources referenced in this episode:

  1. Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, by Ina May Gaskins
  2. Husband-Coached Childbirth, by Robert A. Bradley, M.D.
  3. [Documentary] The Business of Being Born
  4. Visit Crystal's website Well-Informed Birth or contact her via e-mail


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Music in this episode is from "Good Ol' Man" (©2022) by Drew Green and reproduced with permission from Drew Green.