Hi all,

Well my wife gave birth to a beautiful little girl a week ago - hurruh!
But, I wanted to share a couple of things with you if you are a Dad-to-be that I would have given anything to know myself before the birth. This is not designed to upset or frighten anyone, I just want to be realistic and if you, like me, go a bit funny at when witnessing medical type procedures then read on...

During birth my wife had to have an episiotomy (think that is how you spell it) as my daughter got stuck coming down the birth canal. This is basically a cut to help widen the natural opening so baby can come out. What I wasn't told and wish i had been is that when they make the cut with scissors the cutting sound is absolutely revolting. If I could have my time again I would have just waited outside the room as I was almost sick. If this kind of thing upsets you (like it does me) it may be worth telling your partner in advance that you may leave if she has to have one.

Secondly, I decided I wanted to cut the umbilical cord (well, to be honest my wife was more keen than I was for me to do it!) If you choose to do this, be warned it is quite tough and the upon cutting it, some blood comes out under pressure. This is normal but I was really shocked when it ran out.

Lastly, try not to look at the floor after your baby is born. Although not much blood is actually shed, when mixed with other birthing fluids it looks quite horrific.

I suppose the thing to concentrate on is your new arrival (as Im now doing, and trying not to think about what I saw as the experience has stayed with me a bit) as having a new baby is just the BEST thing ever!!!! Like I said, the above information not designed to upset anyone, but please keep these notes in mind if you are with your partner during childbirth - you should be as she will need you. Some people might be fine with this all, but if you're anything like me keep your eyes on her face and don't look down!

All the best.

Lol your post brought back some memories I seem to have repressed! At the birth of our first child I do remember feeling the strangest mix of awe and shock, I doubt you could ever get the same feeling from any other experience in life, especially if you are not fully prepared for everything you are going to witness! But it is the awe and love that last, the shock side of i gets forgotten soon enough ...and it does get sooo much easier on the 2nd+ labours

Guys, I am scared enough as it is, no need to put me off any more

I am going to be there, but will be trying to avoid looking at the business end

Don't be scared mate. You do not have to be at the business end as they say.The cord cutting is something I did not like but hey each to their own.
If you want to get full marks from the other half hold her hand and keep praising her and looking after her.
When they tell you they can see the head you will want to look and you will be over come mate.
It is truly one of the best experiences in the world. Good luck and let us know here how you are/do get on.

I would strongly advise being "above" the curtain divide on a C section if you are slightly sqeamish!

Having been at the end of an emergency shoulder distocia and a planned c section, both were quite gory.

The first there was blood spurting all over the show, no curtain to hide it, and I was glad I was sitting down, other wise I would have fallen.

The C section I made the mistake of looking over the curtain, and could see all of th fat cells and intestines.

Both times I wish I hadnt seen, but if you are interested I dont see why you shouldnt take a peak, just remember its your wife or partner there and you may not like seeing them in that state.