Birth

Further Info

This story was made on a four and a half day training workshop for people intending to work on storytelling projects with young people.

The workshop was led by Liz Milner and Ruth Jacobs and was supported by Bristol’s Museums, Galleries & Archives.

Transcript

Who would have thought it? I mean, we’re told about the lack of sleep, the crying, the dirty nappies… and the cost, but don’t start me on that! But the proudest moments of my life have been at the births of my children.

William, our eldest, was born by caesarean at Southmead hospital. That was a real eye-opener and although totally amazed by the whole experience, I had my first awakening to complete and utter uselessness: here I was, witnessing the birth of our son and there was nothing for me to do apart from hold my wife’s hand.

The doctor had his role, the midwife had hers, and even my wife Linda was busy!

At this point I decided that childbirth really should be left to the professionals and us menfolk really would be better off working, or popping down the pub. I did, however, stay for the complete experience and it was an eery, quiet affair: I had gone into hospital a young, married man only to leave six hours later a dad.

The pre-natal classes had briefed me somewhat for my new role but what kind of dad would I be and whom is this new person keeping me awake?

Credits

All media not otherwise credited created by the story author, or permission obtained, used under copyright licence.