Diary of a proud new dad

I am grateful that I was lucky enough to witness the miracle of my daughter's birth and even had the honour of cutting her umbilical cord.

It was rather poignant that months of nurturing and nourishing was ended in seconds with the snip of a pair of scissors, wielded by me.

Poignant, because my role in creating this wonderful new life was neither arduous, nor was it demanding of my time.

Her mother meanwhile, has gone through the agony of cramps, back pain, kicks, nocturnal internal gymnastic displays and a diet lacking many of the things she enjoys.

I have read a number of books and blogs which warn the father-to-be that he might feel sidelined after the baby is born and that the mother will attract most of the attention.

And, do you know what? So she jolly well should.

After witnessing what my partner went through up to and during the birth, she deserves every bit of praise that comes her way.
I cannot find the words to do justice to the composure she demonstrated, starting with her waters breaking on the back seat of the car, to the final push in the delivery room.

All I could do was offer encouraging words and hope for the best.

Friends and relatives had tried to explain to me what the birthing process would be like and the flood of emotions I would feel after the baby arrived but nothing can prepare you for the stark reality.

The torment I felt watching my partner in so much pain was relieved by the safe arrival of our daughter and the instant, incredible and ethereal bonding process that takes place with this tiny, delicate and vulnerable new being.
Our tiny, delicate and vulnerable new being.

As I write this column, I have managed to grab 10 hours sleep in the last 70 or so and my partner even fewer.
It’s early days yet and I know we have some demanding times ahead but I realise that all too soon this life-defining, and changing, period of our lives will be over.

I intend to relish every sleepless moment and attempt to match my partner’s stamina, disposition and resilience.
If this were a TV talent show for new dads and I was on the judging panel, I’d give myself two out of ten, for trying.
I’ll update you on my progress, and score, next time.
Until then, I’m going to try to grab 40 winks.

* This column is dedicated to my partner, my new baby daughter and my stepdaughter. You all mean the world to me.