Wife Has No Trouble Surviving Labor and Delivery Without Her Husband
Going Solo
Things in our house have gotten slightly less hectic, so we figured it was time we get back in touch. Thanks to everyone for your well-wishes for our tiny little baby. He is still in the hospital (and will be for weeks), but doing fairly well.
Through this whole ordeal, one of the things I’ve been asked often is how did I ever handle going to the hospital and having a baby on my own–without my husband?! Apparently, the people asking this question are not aware of the fact that I am married to a Donkey. I have always talked about wanting to go through labor without him there, and just having a nurse invite him in at the last minute. Yes, we should have been around in the good ol’ days when men stayed in the waiting rooms–I’m pretty sure it’s something we both would have opted for.
Why I Survived Delivering a Baby Without The Donkey Nearby
- I didn’t have to watch Baseball Tonight while being admitted, waiting for surgery, and during recovery.
- There was nobody to tell me, “quick, stop crying–I think someone’s coming into the room!”
- I didn’t have to look at the reaction on the nurse’s faces while they listened to my husband complain about how tired and weak he felt.
- No questions about whether or not they were going to “force him” to hold up any legs, cut umbilical cords, etc.
- I didn’t have to worry about how disgusting everything looked and smelled, and whether or not The Donkey would need to be rolled out on a gurney of his own.
- All the doctors and nurses are extra-nice when you’re on your own.
- I didn’t need to beg him to stop Twittering about the entire ordeal, and pay some attention to me.
- He wasn’t there to ask about how much longer it would take, and could we hurry it along, because he had an important work call or lunch meeting…
But the biggest reason I was able to survive it all? I knew he was on his way back, and would be there in time to be a huge support during all the aftermath–which he was. Who would have thought?
9 Responses to “Wife Has No Trouble Surviving Labor and Delivery Without Her Husband”
Congrats on your new arrival, and on finding the perks of doing it solo. I’m sure I could make it that way too, but I think especially for the first birth, I want him there, just to share that moment where we first see our newborn together.
By Kristi on Sep 10, 2008
I really like having my hubby with me in the delivery room - but I know what you mean a little. It does sometimes feel like I’m suppose to “entertain” him or something since I’m the one who “invited him” there. And TV negotiations are always difficult since I definitely feel that it’s MY TURN to choose - being in all the pain and all. This is not the time for compromise! And being someone who the nurses like and feel sorry for is ALWAYS a plus. So… good planning I guess.
By Nancy Sabina on Sep 10, 2008
That was hilarious. Only you could bring humor to this story. During Anree’s delivery, I had to tell the doctor and Mark to stop watching Olympic speed skating because I was needing to push. They were slightly annoyed that the birth of our child was interfering with the Olympics.
By Tamra on Sep 10, 2008
Only you guys. Seriously, is he just trying to distract himself or what? I mean, I don’t like the pain my wife went through or the blood and stuff (I didn’t even cut the cord the first time), but I didn’t act like it was an inconvenience to be there!
By MInTheGap on Sep 11, 2008
congrats!
Yikes, I had my babies at home..I don’t think I would have gotten through it with out my husband. He was a huge help!
By marye on Sep 11, 2008
I wonder about what it will be like the first time I have a baby. I am pretty sure Jack will have one of two reactions 1) He will be totally grossed out and our baby will be lucky that it won’t be able to recognize the emotion of rejection. or 2) He will be totally overwhelmed and amazed by the entire thing.
I’m hoping for option 2, but need to be prepared for the more likely option 1.
By April on Sep 11, 2008
It was many years ago now (31 to be exact), but my firstborn was three weeks early and my husband was away on a business trip. Even after my water broke we assumed he could get home in time because supposedly first labors are longer. My son was born after 1 1/2 hours of labor, so my husband didn’t make it. Some nurse was the first one to tell him he had a son when he called from the airport! I was disappointed, so I did not let my husband leave town within two months of my next due date. Still he almost missed the birth of our daughter because he was in the next room donning a green scrub outfit that was too small for him. Again I had a short labor, and this time it was the doctor who missed the delivery! My daughter was born on a Super Bowl Sunday but we were back in the room in time for my husband to watch!
Congratulations on your new little one. I hope all continues to go well and that the weeks pass quickly so that he can come home.
By Jane on Sep 12, 2008
Very good and accurate and funny post. You go girl!!
While the husband was not with you he was doing a marvelous job of taking good care of the three little boys. I watched him “single parent” for the entire week of our reunion. I have never been so impressed. No whining, no “poor pity me”, just “stay the course” and do what will keep the kids happy. I never even saw him opt to do something he wanted to do. His deep concern for you was also very apparent. You can refer to him as Donkey if you want, I prefer “THE MAN!!!!
By HIS mother in law on Sep 13, 2008
My husband was at Baghdad International Airport waiting to come home on leave when my first was born.
I told him he was in serious trouble if missed the second birth (thankfully he did not).
But good for you for finding the humor in it.
By Candace on Sep 19, 2008