Don and Louise Attended "Natural" Childbirth Classes, and Don Was

Essay

Don and Louise attended "natural" childbirth classes, and Don was present throughout Louise's labor and delivery of their son. During labor, Don served as a coach, helping Louise relax as much as possible and control her breathing, and reminding her not to push until it was time to deliver the baby. During delivery, Don stood at the head of the table and gave Louise emotional support. After their son was born, Don was allowed to carry him down the hall to Louise's room. Later, Don described the overall experience as thoroughly profound and joyous, and he became fond of relating how he felt when he first gazed into his son's wide-open and inquiring eyes. (a) Discuss Don's feelings in terms of engrossment. (b) What long-range effects might this have on Don's interactions with his son? (c) How might medication and traditional childbirth procedures have interfered?