Ep 276: A New Perspective on Birth: Labor Through Dad’s Eyes

Dads- how does the idea of your wife giving birth make you feel?  Does the idea immediately excite you, or does it put a level of fear on you– do you wonder how you can protect her and your baby?  Do you feel out of control?

 

This week, all the way to episode 276, we are doing something new.  We are hearing a homebirth story completely from the perspective of the father.  Today we’re speaking to Dustin Garrett, a husband, father to two, and new to the club- homebirth dad!

 

Episode roundup:

 

1. Dustin’s story is so vulnerable, and I feel so certain that with a listenership this large, there are a number of you who can relate to his experience with abortion and the potential pain that has stayed with you for years.  Dustin realized at some point that he was not truly accepting all of the Grace and forgiveness available to him– that he felt like he needed to experience continual punishment, and that maybe he and his wife would never be able to have kids– maybe that was his punishment.  But at some point it became clear, when Jesus died on the cross, he died for every single one of Dustin’s sins, and every single one of yours.  He came to give us freedom, and our job?  Our job is to receive it.
2. Next, I love how honestly Dustin shared what I know many fathers to feel- the sense that they want to take care of their wife, their baby.  The reason that birth often makes men feel uncomfortable is the glaring reality that, “Wow, actually I don’t have control here.” And boy, that uncomfortable feeling, if you’re honest with yourself, might turn to the realization that, “Oh, wow.  I guess I don’t actually have control over a lot of events and situations around me.”  To release control, while it can be so difficult, is one of the most beautiful things we can do as humans.
3. And finally, I just love the joy that Dustin expressed as he caught his daughter in his own arms.  As he saw her look at him while between worlds, really.  Both in, and out.  To imagine this happening, all while his son is singing “Jesus loves me” in the next room… it’s just beautiful.  And healing for the entire family. 
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Links:

Samaritan Ministries

Happy Homebirth Academy

Interview Application