Hi there. My husband and I were married just last month and we are expecting a new baby in as little as 3 weeks. Between working and getting organized for the wedding we haven't had time to go to any childbirth preparedness classes. My husband wants very much to be an active participant during the birth of our child. (His 1st my 3rd). He has been looking for a good book or website that shows what he can do to help keep me comfortable and relaxed. Everything we have found so far has been very much aimed at the pregnant mother but not the expectant father. He wants to learn what massage techniques ect. are helpful during labour. If there is anyone out there that can point us in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Congrats on your wedding and soon becomming parents! There is a book especially for expecting fathers, I think it is in the "Dummies" series, but as you are most of the way through pregnancy, it may be a bit of a waste buying a book that will mostly deal with pregnancy.

So, here is one website for expectant fathers and childbirth, and here is an interesting BBC article; then there is this website which addresses more the emotional issues, and this fatherhood website may also be of interest.

Welcome to Answerpool btw!

Nancy...Welcome to AnswerPool! And congrats on your wedding and upcoming new addition!

Great sites that Silja offered!

It is so sweet that he's excited and wants to help. Along with the "literature" on it, since you've had children before, I think YOU will be the most help.

All he can do is be there...if you just need to squeeze his hand during a contraction, great....if you have back labor and he needs to rub, tell him where.

It sounds like you've got a very attentive dad there Nancy...And all the books and accounts can be helpful, but every one of us is different in childbirth....we need different things.

Yes, he should read up on all the stuff so he can be educated on what MAY help...but at the crucial moments, he should just be there with you.

Oh, and don't forget to tell him that right there at the end, you might be cussing him out as he's right there in your face telling you to "breathe...whooo...whooo...whoo...."....but that he should ignore it at the time, cause you'll both forget it the moment that new little person is placed in your arms.

Good Luck Nancy! Oh...heard of http://www.herport.com????