Thank GOD for Tim

I'm working from home today, watching Discovery Health while getting some design done. I have to admit to being one of those moms-to-be who is really fascinated with watching births, to try and gather as much info on what it will be like to actually give birth. Sure, I know every birth is a bit different and who knows what I'll go through. But I think the process of birth is so amazing that I just love watching them and cheering for the moms.

So, the show Birth Diaries is on, a show that follows parents from the third trimester or so to birth and the first few weeks at home. Today's episode features a woman having her second son who has the MOST JERKISH husband on the planet. It's like every moment on the show this guy gets worse, says or does something that makes him even more repulsive. First thing was his one-on-one interview with the camera in which he talked about how disgusting birth was and how there was no way he was going to look at his wife's vagina during birth. That he was so sick just thinking about it that he was contemplating not being in the room. Wow, what a winner. Because it's not about your wife being an amazing life force or anything, it's about you not having to witness the vagina in any other form than a sex object. Good job, buddy.

THEN the wife is one-on-one with the camera, talking about how she's worried she'll run over the due date. Why? Well because her husband has a bachelor party scheduled for three days after her due date and will be upset at her if he misses it. Then, cut to the husband talking about how he's so excited about this bachelor party, how it's his only chance to have a few beers with some old friends and how great it's going to be. WOW. First off, buddy, how is a bachelor party more important than your baby being born? And also, how dare you tell your wife that you are GOING to make that bachelor party, no matter what? Um, HELLO! The first few days after a baby comes are really rough and both parents are needed. Also, how is it fair that YOU, the father, get to do whatever you want while the mother has to be the baby caregiver? Just so wrong.

THEN... oh then. The delivery.

The husband is there in the room with the wife, her mom and her sister, looking so annoyed and rolling his eyes. He keeps glancing down at her vagina as she pushes and talking about how he's nauseous and going to be sick. He keeps on talking about how he can't handle this. THEN... his cell phone rings and he actually answers it! And who could it be, folks? One of his buddies calling to see if he'll make the bachelor party tomorrow. And what does he do? Talks to him! While the docs are saying, "here's the head...it's coming... just another push or so," this jerkface is talking to his bro on his cell about the party he might miss. UGH.

Honestly, this just makes me so glad I've got Tim. He's such a caring, awesome feminist husband who WANTS to see the birth, wants to be my companion and help me take care of our daughter. I am so so so glad I didn't marry someone like this guy.

Anyways, that's just a little rant. Dudes: being a father does not mean assuming some man-role in the house. It means being a co-parent, on equal terms with your wife and helping wherever you can. And the female body is awesome and amazing. You don't have to watch the birth and there's nothing wrong with admitting that you're a queasy kind of guy. But be supportive, don't complain during birth and try to be the best person you can.

the end.