Comments on: Natural Fatherhood: My Credo

By: Derek Markham

Derek Markham — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 00:41:57 +0000

Marvin –

I think you hit the nail on the head – men don’t usually get together to talk about it. I’m struggling with how to empower more men (including myself) to do so. Thanks!

Derek

By: Marvin

Marvin — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 23:27:32 +0000

I’m happy to read about “natural fatherhood” being passionately described in your post. Indeed, fatherhood is not the same as mothering kids. It has its own brand. The thing is, men don’t usually get together to talk about fatherhood unlike women. Perhaps that’s why in the busy world we are in, “natural fatherhood” has not been communicated well among generations of men. Instead, many fathers are stuck with the “macho b.s.” that apply primarily to single men looking for women to impress. I would go as far as saying that fatherhood is the end goal of all that “macho b.s.” that men go through in life. Now that we’re here, it’s time to convey to other men what fatherhood really is. It’s not “macho b.s.” It’s different. It’s not motherhood by men. It’s fatherhood. Whatever that means, let’s discover it by listening to real men who relish fatherhood.
Marvin´s last blog ..Speaking the Love Language of Receiving Gifts

By: Ajay

Ajay — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 13:44:57 +0000

Really amazing to read this. I’m not married or a father. But I’m really impressed by the idea of paternity and I found noone with me. But now, I discover that I’m not exactly alone.
Thanks a lot. I really appreciate fathers as they are the visible gods as I’ve studied in our catechism when I was a child.

By: Derek Markham

Derek Markham — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:57:15 +0000

Justice –

On point two: You’re absolutely right, and as a father and a man, the most powerful thing we can do is to support our family in whatever way is best for them. Which may be in a hospital… Having also had that experience, I can say that ‘defending’ my family, so to speak, in a hospital was an intense thing to go through.

By: Derek Markham

Derek Markham — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:54:53 +0000

Jennifer –

Yes, the homebirth option (especially unassisted) is not for everyone, and is one that I don’t mention often, as many people have experiences that refute my own. I just think homebirth is worthy of being considered – and unassisted birth is something that really needs to be thought through.

By: Justice Marshall

Justice Marshall — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:45:04 +0000

Thanks for being a leader and Natural Papa Derek!

Here’s what I can add from my own experience -

1. Co-sleeping only worked to a point for me (us). It mostly became co-waking and co-exhaustion.

2. Some women are simply not able to give birth without medical intervention. I love the idea of natural (even unassisted) birthing, as have both moms I’ve been blessed to father with. Sometimes though, it’s not meant to be. And at those times our women and children need us to show up especially powerfully.
Justice Marshall´s last blog ..12/1 is Good Men Day

By: Jennifer Lance

Jennifer Lance — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:22:19 +0000

Your wife and children are very lucky! Can’t get behind the unassisted homebirth, as both of my homebirths required intervention to save my life once and the baby’s the second time. You are my superhero!
Jennifer Lance´s last blog ..Natural Toy Review: Vermont Teddy Bear Go Green and Woolen Bear

By: FullySustainabl (Sustainable Mike)

FullySustainabl (Sustainable Mike) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:36:12 +0000

Twitter Comment

RT @DerekMarkham I tried to sum up natural #fatherhood: here's my Credo [link to post]

- Posted using Chat Catcher

By: raganella7 (Liz Neves)

raganella7 (Liz Neves) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 23:36:41 +0000

Twitter Comment

RT @DerekMarkham: I tried to sum up natural #fatherhood: here's my Credo [link to post]

- Posted using Chat Catcher

By: Derek Markham

Derek Markham — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:17:34 +0000

Christine –

It’s still a lesson I’m learning – to take care of myself. Mothers also need to do that, and trading off with your partner so you each get what you need is a good way to start.

Cheers!