i agree that a doula is helpful- but i have to say there have been
births where i was a voyer- a woman with the couple with my camera
watching them work together beautifully...so who knows if my presense
is what helped give the dad the confidence and the support he needed
to be that wonderful partner- but yes i think there is always room in
the labor room for a supportive doula who enhances the rolls of those
in the labor--- In alaboroflove_webgroup@yahoogroups.com, "Chris
Bonnett" <cbonnett@...> wrote:
>
> I have just one piece of advice for any soon to be first time new dad.
>
>
>
> Hire a Doula.
>
>
>
> Only a woman with medical training in child birth and a mother
herself can
> support this process.
>
>
>
> The best you can do is stay out of everyone's way and do what the Doula
> tells you to.
>
>
>
>
>
> Kind regards,
>
>
>
> Christopher Bonnett
>
> _____
>
> From: alaboroflove_webgroup@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:alaboroflove_webgroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Teresa
Howard
> Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2007 9:48 AM
> To: alaboroflove_webgroup@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [alaboroflove_webgroup] calling dads to teach!
>
>
>
> We have added a ton of new classes to our class schedule for 2007. And
> one of the classes I want to add to our schedule is one taught by dads
> to dads. I envision it happening on a Saturday morning or afternoon or
> even perhaps one evening. I would like it to be taught quarterly. I
> have a chlidbirth class space in Lawrenceville within the Mail and
> Business Store that my husband now owns. If you have not seen it, it
> is a great space!
>
> I am looking for at least two dads who would like to sit down with me
> and discuss being the dads who facilitate this class. I will have a
> skeleton curriculum but want to get your input as to more than the
> bones- some things you feel comfortable sharing- and some things you
> feel strongly about including.
>
> My thought is the class fee would be $25 of which you will be paid $20
> per dad attending. That fee would be split between the two dads
> teaching the class. So thiis is not a huge money maker- if you had six
> dads attend- you would only make $60 each- and I suspect the class
> time would be about an hour and a half to two hours. You would not be
> doing this for the money- but to share your experience and help new
> dads. You do not need to be a perfect dad- although i know many of you
> are nearly that! What I desire is someone who is articulate and
> willing to share honestly and openingly.
>
> The curriculum bones would be:
>
> 1. What do you wish you had known before the labor began- being an
> excellent support during labor and birth. What childbirth classes
> don't prepare you for. Next time we will....
>
> 2. Forming the new famliy- what will change forever and what is only
> for a short time? What changes were the most difficult and how to make
> it easier for everyone?
>
> 3. The breastfeeding dad- how to help the mother baby dyad work- how
> to support your wife to make this work.
>
> 4. Keeping your marriage or commitment strong when the new baby
> arrives- how to make the adjustment smoother- sharing the
> responsibility- when to have sex again and where. Keep the fires buring.
>
> 5. Spend Time with your new baby- how a dad can be involved with the
> new baby- soothing, bathing, slinging, massaging, special times-
> making opportunities to bond and sharing the care . Dad's are
> different than moms- and can offer something only dad's can offer! You
> can make a difference for a lifetime!
>
> 6. Fiinding your own personal time. How to juggle the baby and time
> management.
>
> 7. Caring for the new mom- how to make sure she is doing okay. Dealing
> with signs of postpartum depression.
>
> 8. Safety- car seats, pets at home, household safety.
>
> 9. Fundamentals of baby care- bathing, diapering, swaddling, calming a
> fussy baby, sickness
>
> 10. Budgeting ideas for a new baby... how the heck can I afford this
> new creature?
>
> 11. Earn the Right to Be Heard- what you have learned from the
> "authorities" that helped you understand how babies learn- and what
> worked to build a relationship beyond that initial bonding time. Is
> there really one right way to do things? Women learn by talking
> between themselves- now it is time for you to share with each other
> what works for you!
>
> 12. Discipline with Love- beyond the baby time- how do you know when
> to say no and how to set limits. Loving deeply, disciplining calmly.
>
> 13. Sharing and questions time.
>
> please contact teresa at teresa@alaboroflove
> <mailto:teresa%40alaboroflove.org> .org for details
>