Welcome to the Winter 2022 issue.
This issue explores the polarity between two people in a loving relationship. It explores the ways we can harness this polarity for family well-being, beginning with the sacred event of birth. Men and women each have a vital role to play in birth.
Most new fathers are unaware of their role, and because of this, a gap has formed in the birth conversation that can be filled for great benefit to the family. When this gap is filled, fathers become the true guardians of the birth experience, recognizing their innate ability to protect and serve their loved one’s emotional and mental journey. To do this, it is essential that mothers and fathers to learn ways to work together in preparation for birth.
Many women have understood the value of birth stories. Birth stories help illuminate the unknowns and mysteries of the journey through pregnancy and birth. Stories often focus on several elements such as what happened, where it happened, and why a positive experience can be achieved by others. With these stories, we become more aware and trusting of the birth process.
Men benefit from birth stories too, however they begin to truly shine when they learn birth skills with their partners. Birth skills provide the practical ways to ourselves offer support. This then introduces a key element into the birth story, expounding on what we can do for ourselves. There are many skills mothers and fathers can learn in preparation for birth that will help them participate in the birth process like never before. Both partners can become skilled for the activity of birth, and with the help of this skills-based approach, they can learn how to prepare the body and mind for this sacred event.
Once engaged in the journey with the help of this new element, fathers cease to be another passenger in the process. They become active participants, and this informed engagement elevates the journey and rejuvenates the family relationship, providing a ground upon which fathers can participate confidently in the newborn stages of parenting.
The polarity inherent in a loving relationship changes during pregnancy and birth. It is natural and beneficial that a mother leads the way forward in this dance of life. Biologically, she is being transformed on so many levels, and spiritually, she is being given access to the inner wisdom that knows, better than anyone else ever could, the best ways forward. Birth is one of the epitomes of feminine power and strength. Men need not be lost during this time. They can honor and support their partners to an amazing capacity, if they know how.
This issue explores avenues for discovering the “how” by which families can support their journey own through pregnancy, birth and beyond. It explores the ways men can step into their strength and resolve. In many ways, this issue is a gift to fathers.
Pathways Connect Resource Guide Topics