Hi Dr. Laura,
I guess we just LOVE having babies because we have four under five and I'm not even 28!
We have a little experience with childbirth you could say. Our first had a serious birth defect and was a crazy pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Our second was a surprise and showed up just 13 months later! Our third got stuck and was injured in the process. Our fourth (our first girl) got stuck too! They are all alive and well for now and we love them dearly!
I don't think you can really prepare for labor and delivery because of the variety of deliveries. My hubby is a 6'5, 220 lb. PURE man! But blood makes him squeamish and he doesn't like seeing me in pain (so sweet). So, he kept telling himself he would not be in the delivery room. He would not watch! Then, when it came down to it, love conquered all and because we have such a close bond and were so excited for each baby, he held his head high and EVEN cut the cord! I think adrenaline is a gift from God in these situations.
I did try and prepare him a little by telling him some things to beware of, but that might have made the anticipation even worse. I think the fact that "I" stayed calm throughout (with many prayers!) helped him a lot! We realized after our first, we are only in control of so much and the rest is in God's hands. We can't prevent everything! There's no use in worrying over those things you can't prevent, so go in there bravely and with hope. Most likely everything will be okay...and IF NOT...hopefully we can be strong!
Sincerely,
Laura (loving mother and even more loving wife
