I Feel Like A Woman

First let me say that Chris is going to be the sweetest Dad. From the get-go, his excitement about having a baby reminds me of the way a child anticipates Christmas Day. While some men have trouble bonding with their newborns, Chris has had no trouble at all and Hannah’s not even here yet!

You may have heard stories of how some Dads-to-be sympathize with their pregnant wives by having unexplained aches and pains or even weight gain. While Chris hasn’t experienced any of the aforementioned symptoms, he’s found other ways to sympathize, though maybe not intentionally. Let’s just say there have been a couple of distinct opportunities where he has been able to mildly experience what women go through to have a child.

As I’ve learned, a lot of Dads don’t or aren’t able to go to all of the prenatal appointments. But I’m proud to say that Chris hasn’t missed a single one. He’s been such a good sport as I’ve asked my doctor a lot of uncomfortable questions (because I’m totally clueless) and he’s actually asked quite a few, too. I would have to say the most awkward moment was during one of our first appointments when the doctor realized I was due for my annual physical. I’m not sure that it clicked with Chris when the word “annual” was mentioned because when she asked if he would like to step outside the room during the exam, he said he was fine and just stayed seated. And just so he got the full experience of what a woman goes through year after year (and really just to be dramatic), I think I winced in pain a little more than usual just for his sake.

On top of being extremely excited and involved, I would definitely consider Chris to be very supportive. In fact, he was one of the only few Dads to attend our breastfeeding class. (Childbirth and nursing classes deserve a blog entry all of their own, so I’ll spare details for now.)

I got a breast pump a few weeks ago, and since the time draws near that I would need it, I decided to put all the parts together just to make sure it all worked and I had everything. Chris was absolutely intrigued. He got down in the floor with me and adjusted the speed and latched one of the funnels on to the inside of his arm. It was really pretty amazing to watch the pump repeatedly suck his arm as he had it turned to MAX.

So then my husband went insane for a moment. And before I knew what he was about to do, he lifted up his shirt and stuck that funnel onto his chest. Yes, he did, while it was still on MAX. And I have to tell you that he screamed out like a little girl. I don’t know if it was out of pain, out of disbelief that his nipple was sucked halfway through the funnel or a little bit of both. But nonetheless, Chris has a new appreciation for breastfeeding.

I must say, Hannah Riley is getting the best Dad.