Written By: Faheema Z. Mohammed

As an AMANI Birth Advanced Doula and Childbirth Educator for over five years, I have had the privilege of witnessing the profound impact that a husband's involvement can have on the pregnancy, childbirth, and labor experiences of his wife. This journey is not just a physical one but an emotional and psychological transformation for both partners. Yet, most pregnant wives must still go through the journey by themselves, alone, as some husbands are either too busy or are led to believe that birth is a woman’s business. Unfortunately, this type of husband with their lack of knowledge and stereotypical view of birth will negatively impact their wife’s pregnancy and labor, which can increase her chances of having unnecessary medical interventions.

This month, I had the privilege of working with three first-time moms,  all of whom had some type of childbirth education, but only one of these women had her husband attend childbirth classes with her. While all three had one type of intervention or the other, the mother who had her husband attend their childbirth classes, had the best birth experience and her postpartum recovery was excellent and joyful even though she had a Cesarean section due to a breech-positioned baby. Naturally, I came away from each of these three births, learning so much and comparing them to each other. What I found was that a husband’s participation in childbirth classes can positively affect their wife’s birth experience. I will now discuss why I believe it is important for husbands to attend childbirth education classes.

 

  • Clarification of a Husband’s Role and Responsibilities

From the moment of conception, parenthood starts. Typically, the wife is preparing and adjusting to pregnancy, while the husband is still somewhat perplexed as to what is needed of him. Through childbirth education, the husband understands his present role in the pregnancy and childbirth process, which then provides the springboard to the next steps of fatherhood. From someone who has taught childbirth education to couples and assisted in their birth as their doula, I have joyfully seen the transition from  positively committed and involved husbands during pregnancy and childbirth to supportive partners and fathers in the first few months after birth.

 

"Through this education he reached an epiphany about his important role during birth. Because of this, he transformed into the loving, caring, birth companion that I needed during the birth of our third child. We experienced a growth and bonding in our marriage and our family due to his transformation that is difficult to describe in words” – Aisha Al Hajjar, “AMANI Birth”.

 

  • Improved Health and Well-being of the Mother

A husband who is educated on childbirth understands the importance of pregnancy nutrition and movement in pregnancy. The educated husband will ensure his wife has access to proper foods that will nourish and sustain her and their baby throughout the pregnancy. He will also encourage and support her in her pregnancy exercises and movements, as he now understands how movement along with certain positions can assist her in labor and delivery. Therefore, when a husband is educated, he is more likely to encourage and facilitate healthier lifestyle choices for his wife.

 

  • Emotional and Psychological Support

Pregnancy, labor and postpartum are all stages which impact significantly on a woman’s emotional and psychological state. A husband who learned about such changes and the various ways to support his wife in those stages will be able to assist in lowering his wife’s anxiety and stress as she navigates through each stage, especially during labor, when she is at her most vulnerable and needs the most support if she wishes to have the least amount of medical interventions. A father who did not attend childbirth classes, once said to me in the labor room, “Why not give an epidural during labor, she is in the hospital and epidural is safe?” When I told him about the risks involved and the evidence etc. He told me, “That was 300 years ago! We are modern and we have drugs to take the pain away, so why doesn’t she take it?” About 3 hours after, the mother asked for the epidural, and 12 hours after that, she was rushed for an emergency C-section. As the father looked into my eyes for reassurance and explanations as to why his wife was now being rushed into the operating theater, my fists clenched, and I had to take a deep breath before I spoke to him.

 

"A husband's presence during pregnancy and labor is invaluable. His emotional support can significantly reduce the mother's anxiety and pain perception, making the birthing experience more positive."- Ina May Gaskin,  "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth".

 

  • Enhanced Childbirth Experience

I would like to greatly stress on childbirth education! Not just any husband, but one who has been attending childbirth education classes. The presence of such a husband during labor and delivery can significantly enhance their wife’s childbirth experience.
This type of husband can provide continuous emotional support, help with pain management techniques, and offer physical comfort measures such as massages and reassuring words. With this type of support, a husband can lead his wife to a more positive birth experience, increasing her birth satisfaction, and even facilitating shorter labor. As a doula, I have seen firsthand how the presence of a supportive husband can make a world of difference in and out of the delivery room.

 

"The role of a husband in labor is not just to be a bystander but an active participant. His encouragement and reassurance can empower the mother, helping her to stay focused and calm." - Penny Simkin, "The Labor Progress Handbook".

 

Here is a lovely story about a father who was involved every step of the way with his wife: He attended all our meetings and stayed by her side when she went into labor and then at the hospital. This husband practically did everything, while I sat there and watched in utter amazement. He took her to the bathroom, helped  her shower, he knelt with her and spoke to her calmly and relaxed. Finally, I had to intervene as I saw he needed some well-deserved rest. During the mom’s pushing phase, he made sure no one forced his wife to push, and ensured his wife went to a position she wanted. Finally, she delivered on her left side, with the doctor just catching the baby, no perineal tears, just tears of joy. This dad was so thrilled he paid me way too much!

 

  • Overcoming Cultural Barriers

In many cultures as it is the Muslim world, pregnancy and childbirth have traditionally been seen as a woman's business. However, when men are educated about women’s health, pregnancy and childbirth, they are better able to facilitate for their wives and daughters, in terms of nutrition, lifestyle choices, and proper prenatal and maternal care. Men who are educated on women’s health especially pregnancy and childbirth, are more compassionate, supportive and understanding to the women in their lives. This  can create a ripple effect which can positively affect future generations in overcoming cultural barriers to a husband’s involvement and participation in pregnancy and childbirth.

 

Therefore, an involved and educated husband, during pregnancy and labor, can positively affect the well-being of his wife and baby. Knowledgeable husbands can understand their roles and responsibilities during pregnancy and childbirth, improve maternal health and well-being, provide emotional and psychological support, enhance childbirth experience, and overcome cultural barriers. As an AMANI Birth Advanced Doula and Childbirth Educator, I am committed to empowering couples to embrace this journey together, as it sets the foundation for a loving and nurturing family environment.