a real man

May 16, 2010

What is a real man? Well, in the last three weeks I have attended three births with three very different families. As a doula, I am working hand in hand with the husband to help his wife have a wonderful birth. I walk the journey of birth with these families and especially with these men who trust me to help the one they love most.

A real man is one who helps his wife through her contractions by holding her, talking to her, and massaging her.

A real man learns how to do a double-hip squeeze and does it contraction after contraction.

A real man helps his wife to the bathroom and supports her while she goes potty for the 20th time.

A real man stays awake even though he is exhausted.

A real man reads Hypnobirthing scripts even though they sound hoky.

A real man thinks his laboring wife is the most beautiful thing he has ever seen.

A real man doesn’t freak out when his baby poops meconium down the front of his shirt.

A real man kisses his wife when she is hot and sweaty and exhausted and wants to give up.

I have spent a lot of time with some Real Men these last few weeks…what a privilege to see men fall in love with their wives all over again as they labor and birth together.

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5 Comments

  1. I’ve seen a few real men in my time…nice post Tracy.

  2. Robyn

    Isn’t it nice to be married to one? How wonderful it has been for my husband and I to come together during birth and feel our love strengthened. He is a great doula. Thank you for honoring these men!

  3. Jenny Hanson

    Your post put tears in my eyes Trac. I thank the Lord I am married to a REAL MAN.

  4. Anne

    I personally have no idea what you are even talking about! boo hoo.

  5. My hubby’s a real man and I’m ever so grateful for him. I felt more connected to him during my labor than I have during our whole relationship. And I couldn’t have done it without him. Real men are blessings!