Weatherman,

I hope you don't mind if I chime in on your post.

My first child was born in 1970. That was pre allowing Dad's to be in the delivery room. I was 19 and scared and should would have loved to have my husband holding my hand and beside me. He was only allowed to stay with me during labor, and not allowed in the delivery room.

Fast forward to 1986, 2nd marriage and new attitude about what Dad's could do. His first and my 2nd child. This experience was as different as night and day.

He was allowed to be with me throughout the entire procedure. This meant so much to me, as we had gone through 5 1/2 years of infertility treatment and 3 miscarriages, to finally reach this wonderful day.

He was 2 weeks late, and I was 1 day away from them inducing. I wasn't scared this time, and I was so happy my husband was with me.

He didn't just "pop" out, due to his size, they had to assit him. They had a specialist was there, and immediately took him aside to check him over.

Thanks to my husband, I knew immediately we had a son. I was concerned because he didn't come out crying. Then I finally heard his first cry. OMG, it was awesome. My husband and I were alternating between laughing and crying.

He didn't leave our side, except to go home and bring back a larger size outfit for our son. He weighed almost 10 pounds and would not fit into the "newborn" outfit.

I will never forget how having my husband there made all the difference in the world during the delivery of our child. We, not just I, welcomed our son into the world.

Dads, don't ever doubt your importance during this awesome life's experience. Even though we divorced 25 years later, I will forever have that beautiful memory in my heart that he was there for me when our son was born.