Women and babies are the stars of childbirth, but dads play an important role, too. A supportive partner can significantly impact the labor and delivery process by giving the pregnant woman’s tired back a massage or by reassuring her of her strength when she is feeling most vulnerable.
The photos that capture the important emotional and physical support dad-to-be provide their partners, as well as the utter magic of fathers meeting their babies for the first time.
Jaydene Freund, birth photographer at Cradled Creations, said from her experience this birth “topped the emotions scale”.
The dad was able to hold his son, Theodore, as he was delivered.
“I witness a range of emotions in birth rooms as a birth photographer. Along with connecting, love, and joy, there are times when people are bored, disappointed, frustrated, or confused,” Freund said.
Freund explained that the family had planned to have the dad “catch” the baby.
When the baby’s head started to emerge, the mother shouted: “Go catch the baby”, so the dad ran over just as he was coming out.
“Moments later the baby’s body slid out and he was holding his son in the air with both hands,” Freund said. “He was overcome with emotion.”
Freund continued: “In a birth room, I observe a range of emotions as a birth photographer. Sometimes there is connecting, love, and joy; other times there is monotony, disappointment, irritation, and confusion.
“This birth topped the emotions scale. It was incredible to photograph such pure, elation.
“Capturing the rawness of birth is the highlight of my job.”
Men, please understand how powerful your empathy can be. To all of the mothers who have traumatic pregnancies and still find a way to smile… thank you for sacrificing yourself and enduring to bring your precious child into the world. That is no easy feat.
Sharing the beauty and trauma of pregnancy and birth will help millions of women around the world feel empowered, educated and not alone.
