Childbirth can be a daunting prospect for dads who are usually overlooked when it comes to childbirth preparation.Yet when it comes to the big day, they are expected to know exactly how to support their partner through what can be the most physically challenging and emotionally charged event in their lives. Most men are shocked to learn that this is not a spectator sport and that they can have a profound impact on their partner’s birth experience. This book tells it how it is, giving expectant fathers specific tips on how to help their partner have a faster, easier birth. From what to say and what not to say during childbirth to tips on how to wrangle a difficult midwife, this book gives first time dads the information they need to be involved in the births of their babies in a positive and empowering way, together with insightful interviews with men who’ve been there before.
Author Lucy Perry has been presenting Beer + Bubs childbirth education for dads at the pub with her husband Bruce since 2004. Beer + Bubs is now run in pubs all over Australia where men head to be entertained and educated in the world of childbirth, all in the friendly and familiar surrounds of the local pub.
This is a wonderful, easy read that is already helping so many men have a more empowering birth experience.
Soft cover – 288 pages – 153 x 234mm
Contents
Foreword by Dr Ric Porter, obstetrician and fertility specialist.
Part One
The expectant father's job description
Our birth stories
Call for reinforcements: doulas and other support people
Paul Treseder's story - Qantas pilot
What to say and what not to say during childbirth
Paul Osborne's story - CEO of Parramatta Eels and father of nine
Understanding labour pain
James Tomkins' story - Olympic rower
Practical ideas for pain management
Danny Green's story - three-time world champion boxer
Supporting your partner through loss
David Galilee's story - zoologist
How to be an advocate for your family
Digby Hone's story - emergency specialist
Part Two
Prelabour
Adam Spencer's story - TV and radio presenter
First stage of labour
Charlie Teo's story - neurosurgeon
Transition – duck for cover!
Mark Occhilupo's story - world champion surfer
The big push and the moment of birth
Mark Ferguson's story - channel seven national news presenter
Third stage of labour
Tim Vincent's story - cattle farmer
After the birth: the first few hours
Jud Arthur's story - ex-rugby player, opera singer
Caesareans
Gerrard Gosens' story - blind adventurer and paralympian.
Part Three
Life after birth
David Maxwell's story - Army Warrant Officer
Breastfeeding for blokes
Mike Baird's story - NSW politician
Afterword
Resources
Recommended reading
Contributing professionals:
Dr John Keogh, obstetrician and gynaecologist
Dr Gary Sykes, obstetrician and gynaecologist
Naomi Abeshouse, Chinese herbalist
Akal Khalsa, midwife
Bettina Arndt, sex therapist, psychologist and author
Denise Love, birth consultant
Hannah Dahlen, Associate Professor of Midwifery
Pam Sherwin, yoga teacher
Vickie Hingston-Jones, aromatherapist
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