My husband doesn't think he can handle being in the room when I have the baby. Pain is not something that he does well with and the sight of blood makes him freak. Is it hopeless to think that he can overcome this?

My family and friends all are giving us both a hard time about this as otherwise they view him being "unsupportive." I’d like to give him the benefit of a doubt as this is the way he's been as long as I've known him (10 years!)

Thanks for the help!
Mandy

The birth of your child is nothing less than an extraordinary feat of nature that involves an intricate sequence of events. Every pregnancy is different, and every childbirth is different. Yet most follow the same prescribed path of what physically unfolds in the body.

I am sure you have heard the horror stories that a lot of women take delight in telling about the pain of labor. While yes it can hurt, it's for the most wondrous cause. Learn more about medicalized pain relief options.

Crowning: I had two main concerns. Would the baby even fit through there and if so, how much damage would there be to the tissues?

When my midwife said it could be this weekend or three weeks, I figured three weeks. All along I had pretty much counted on being late (first baby and all). Friday night I couldn't sleep. My cramps were hurting really bad. I got up at 6:00 a.m., thinking "I can't handle this for two more weeks!" As I was talking to my friend, I felt this pop and all this water came out! My water broke!

I got the head out, and the doctor said, "OK, little push," so I got the shoulders out, and again another little push and the doctor thought Mason's body would be out. But it took two more, since Mason was so long.

The story actually starts on Christmas day (of course). I was a bit tired, owing to our elder son, Arthur waking at 5 am full of excitement. We'd finished stockings and presents and were starting on breakfast before it was light.

What happens when you arrive at the hospital? How long will labor last? What can I expect after baby is born? Knowing what to expect when it comes time for labor and delivery can help ease any anxiety you may have about the birth process, especially if this is your first baby. Reviewing these facts will help, as taking advantage of childbirth classes.