Thanks JD it's not something I tend to brag about.
LOL

well, that is also what I meant when I said that the nurses, midwives and doctors are greatful when the man stays outside, so they can do their work properly, and not worry about bodies on the floor LOL

Wow thank you guys for sharing. Great to hear the stories.

The stories are awesome guys thanks!

I'm loving to hear these stories! You guys are awesome, even when you pass out cold!

I guess for now on you'll have to call me PASS OUT DAVE even though I don't drink. LOL

LOL! We would never do that to you. OK! Maybe we would, but it would be all in fun!

Well I must admit this is a great site with a lot of good people in it who also have a good sense of humour and I enjoy a good laugh even if it is at my expense.

right, POBD ! That's my kind of man.

I hope its ok to share my side of "his" story. My ex was so great when I was in labor, and some of the things he did I am reminded of because I just recently saw the video of our daughters birth. I was in an induced labor for 24 hours. After about 20 hrs, and the nurses kept coming in uping the freaking pitocin, I was tired, and in pain. I didnt know what else to do. I sat on the big ball, and laid my head on the bed, and cried. He came next to me, and I'm sure he had no clue how I felt or how to comfort me, so he says, "Our father, who art in heaven..." I started to laugh. I had to have saline IV before I got the epidural, (I thought I would make it without anything too, but by then all I wanted was to sleep for a while). I sat in the rocking chair snoozing in between contractions, and he sat next to me, brushing my hair. That made me feel so relaxed. Then after they got the epidural in, I asked if he would lay with me. We both slept together for a few hours until it was time to push. I cant speak for him, but pictures tell a thousand words. He cut the cord, and after they cleaned her up, he held her. (Picture) you can just see that he smushed when he held her. He was putty. Wrapped around those tiny baby fingers for life. Its a shame that he and I cant share that memory with each other any more. I'd love to know exactly what he thought. Oh well, hope you all enjoyed.

thanks 'the sane one', for your story. I loved it, it's beautiful. I can't explain, really. It just felt good reading it. I wish I could tell a story of me relaxing when 'he' does something like brushing my hair, I would never be able to relax, and that is a curse. The feeling of 'thankfulness' in your story just feels good too. I did enjoy, thanks

Thank you JD for starting this thread. I hear nothing but stories like mine and it (somewhat) restore my faith that men do care and can be a part of the whole birth experience. It is also good for me to hear a story like The Sane One's where I can see that the hurt from the relationship has not distorted the memory of when it was good. So often I see men (and women) demonized and you tend to think, "was it always that bad???"

Does this thread make anyone else cry? Is it just me?

No B...you're not the only one.

You're welcome Cheryl.

me too B