I thought of a way to be the best birth partner that comes before the labor - parineal massage!!! We are sure that is the reason Megan didn’t tear during Juniper’s birth. It’s very intimate…
I would love a video from both of you on perennial massage (not in a weird way)🤣. We tried it but I don't think we did it right or in far enough in advance! Would love it from both your perspectives 🥰
@@aprilb4831 LOL well we started it about two or three weeks before the due date and watched a couple of instructional videos and then got to it. It took some learning and required very good communication because it can be a little painful. The whole goal is to slowly stretch things out over time so you make that happen little by little. Synthetic lubricant helped too. Megan also ate several pounds of dates leading up to the delivery.
@@Matt_Acuna yeah the dates are fab, I swore they helped loads with the cervix softening. Yeah see we tried like 5 days before, I just kept forgetting 🙃 we will defo try again next time, no tears sounds amazing! I also have a hubby called Matt, they make the best birthing partners haha 😄 🤩
I can't get enough of you guys! You are such good role models. As parents, as partners, as people all in all. You guys are highly emotionally intelligent!
I LOVE that mention consent-based care. It is WILD that this is not the standard and something we have to advocate for, but delighted that you asked for and received that this time around. I'm so sorry for your previous experience. Thank you for bringing this up. It is a conversation we absolutely need to be having as birthing people, partners, and healthcare providers. I had a similar positive experience this time around and it made all the difference just to have my body and experience centered and respected.
Amazing video topic!! I’ve been telling my husband for a while now that when I get pregnant your birth vlogs will be his homework because Matt is such a great example! I was really struck by how well he advocated for you, Megan, during Junipers birth. We’re so lucky to benefit from your experience!
Thank you for making this video! I am pregnant for the first time, and seeing how amazing Matt was as a birth partner is setting my expectations high for my own husband lol! Ill share this video with him
I don’t have a question but I would just like to say…. I don’t see many emotional men and some women find that attractive and some unattractive. I find it sensitive and wonderful. I love the fact that you were so emotional about the birth of your children and Megan is very lucky to have such an incredible husband. You both are such a joy to watch 💗💗
I love this! I was one of the people asking about Matt’s counter pressure knowledge in (I think) the birth blog for juniper and my husband spent the time looking up ways he could be more active during labor. I’m sitting here with my 3 week old infant and happy to report he was such a huge support! ❤
I'm taking a hypnobirthing class and they use the long slow breaths. The idea is that you're providing more oxygen and blood flow to the big muscles of the uterus for longer when you breathe slowly Love this video! I'll be sharing this with my husband to prepare for the birth of our first baby in December.
Thank you for this, Megan & Matt! Just sent this to my husband haha. I am four months pregnant with our first baby and we are planning on a natural birth at a birth center 🥰
Mahalo for this! I will be present at my daughter’s home birth. Baby’s Daddy, her midwife & assistant… so having had 3 vaginal deliveries myself (1 all natural, the first 2 were induced)… I know what worked for me changed with each delivery. I also know my daughter’s delivery is HER delivery. I want to come armed with some tools. I arrive this Friday & hope she will still be pregnant (baby is due in 10 days). Thank you for all of this information. Counter pressure is something I will try to offer, providing mama wants it. I truly appreciate this video!❤
Thank you for this video. My husband was very supportive when my son was born. However, your video will be very helpful for both of us next time I go through the birth experience
You are an absolute genius for the knee idea. Our first baby ever is due March 23 and I guarantee I will be using your idea. Thank you both so much for posting this
I had an epidural with my first and then with my second, it didn't have time to kick in before I had to push (they checked my dilation, I was 6 cm, they moved me from triage to my delivery room, anesthesiologist was waiting for me and they put in the epidural while I was in transition). I want to give birth without an epidural next time, so I'll definitely be showing my husband this video whenever I'm pregnant again. Thanks for sharing your experience
Thanks for this. I wasn’t finding any partner advice from the husband point of view and it was a great video for soon to be dad that will be also subbing as a doula.
for a bit my partner was laughing probably cause i was funny..but he was an awesome help thru the birth and was so excited to welcome his son.....it was a natural birth too n took 7 hrs...my baby sister done most the rubbing and stayed with me overnight to help.i am now 26 weeks pregnant with identical twins and i have told them all i want natural birth for these twins...but for a safer birth for both babies n me c section might be the way to go..unless both babies are head down i can deliver naturally...🤞🏼matt u were awesome with meghan❤❤rowan and juniper are so gorgeous! arohamai (love)to ur whanau(family)NZ
I added the book I read to Megan’s Amazon storefront under “Pregnancy/Postpartum.” It isn’t specifically birthing partner though, more just being a dad. It was called dude you’re gonna be a dad. It was a funny take on the whole thing and gave some good tips through a comical and sarcastic lens. It fit my learning style a little better. I didn’t follow EVERYTHING he talked about, but some of it was very educational and eye opening. For Rowan’s birth it was figuring stuff out as I went, even during the delivery, and then discussing afterwards what worked and what didn’t. Then I applied it all to Juniper’s birth. I can’t hammer home enough that it really boils down to giving everything you have as the non-birthing partner into the entire experience. Leave it all out there on the delivery room floor. Show your birthing partner how much you love her.
Great question. It’s heartbreaking. I tried to remember that it isn’t meaningless and that beauty comes from it. It was something I stuffed down at the time and then talked through later when the birth was over. It’s hard to see, but what she’s going through is even harder. I turn that energy into affirmations for her. It helps me feel better and helps take my mind off of it.
Our daughter Juniper Lilly will be here in 3 weeks! My beautiful wife also wants to do a unmedicated birth. Your content is very helpful, thank you so much
Like tips that I used to keep my fears and worries down? Generally I operate well under pressure so I had that going for me already. It’s a nervous and exciting and terrifying experience. It helped a lot to be an active participant in everything instead of an observer or spectator. I felt involved and like I was contributing. I also knew that it would help Megan be calm if I was calm. That mellow environment was important to her. If there are specific worries or fears, talk about them with each other or your birth team.
@ashleyrajan93 I think she’s just trying to say “as the one going through and giving birth; the one feeling all the pains” verses the one who isn’t. I’m not sure why people get mad at these “labels “
@SugieF0604 i think its because society are trying to do away with the role of females and mothers and all the feminine terms and what they truly mean and the significance of being an actual woman. They won't even say breast feeding anymore, it has to be chest feeding. It might not look like much right now but it's the start of something bigger.
You are correct only women give birth. They want to make a tiny percentage of people feel better so women must shut up and not claim anything for ourselves.
I thought of a way to be the best birth partner that comes before the labor - parineal massage!!! We are sure that is the reason Megan didn’t tear during Juniper’s birth. It’s very intimate…
I would love a video from both of you on perennial massage (not in a weird way)🤣. We tried it but I don't think we did it right or in far enough in advance! Would love it from both your perspectives 🥰
@@aprilb4831 LOL well we started it about two or three weeks before the due date and watched a couple of instructional videos and then got to it. It took some learning and required very good communication because it can be a little painful. The whole goal is to slowly stretch things out over time so you make that happen little by little. Synthetic lubricant helped too.
Megan also ate several pounds of dates leading up to the delivery.
@@Matt_Acuna yeah the dates are fab, I swore they helped loads with the cervix softening. Yeah see we tried like 5 days before, I just kept forgetting 🙃 we will defo try again next time, no tears sounds amazing! I also have a hubby called Matt, they make the best birthing partners haha 😄 🤩
@@aprilb4831 Haha too fun!!!
👏
I can't get enough of you guys! You are such good role models. As parents, as partners, as people all in all. You guys are highly emotionally intelligent!
You’re so kind! Thank you!
I LOVE that mention consent-based care. It is WILD that this is not the standard and something we have to advocate for, but delighted that you asked for and received that this time around. I'm so sorry for your previous experience. Thank you for bringing this up. It is a conversation we absolutely need to be having as birthing people, partners, and healthcare providers. I had a similar positive experience this time around and it made all the difference just to have my body and experience centered and respected.
It’s so crazy that this isn’t the standard! Even coming from other women!
Amazing video topic!! I’ve been telling my husband for a while now that when I get pregnant your birth vlogs will be his homework because Matt is such a great example! I was really struck by how well he advocated for you, Megan, during Junipers birth. We’re so lucky to benefit from your experience!
You guys will do great!
You guys are such a sweet and dedicated couple. I also admire you as parents who love their children and truly put them first.
It helps that they’re so cute 🤣
I agree 🥹
You two are the CUTEST couple alive!! I legit feel like we're friends. Keep it up power duo!
Haha thank you!
Thank you for making this video! I am pregnant for the first time, and seeing how amazing Matt was as a birth partner is setting my expectations high for my own husband lol! Ill share this video with him
Be gentle with him! 😅
I don’t have a question but I would just like to say…. I don’t see many emotional men and some women find that attractive and some unattractive. I find it sensitive and wonderful. I love the fact that you were so emotional about the birth of your children and Megan is very lucky to have such an incredible husband. You both are such a joy to watch 💗💗
Men have feelings too and I hope we can all get better showing and accepting those feelings!
I love this! I was one of the people asking about Matt’s counter pressure knowledge in (I think) the birth blog for juniper and my husband spent the time looking up ways he could be more active during labor. I’m sitting here with my 3 week old infant and happy to report he was such a huge support! ❤
AHHH congratulations Mama! Sorry we took a little while to get the video out. Great job!
I'm taking a hypnobirthing class and they use the long slow breaths. The idea is that you're providing more oxygen and blood flow to the big muscles of the uterus for longer when you breathe slowly
Love this video! I'll be sharing this with my husband to prepare for the birth of our first baby in December.
Oooooo good luck!
Thank you for this, Megan & Matt! Just sent this to my husband haha. I am four months pregnant with our first baby and we are planning on a natural birth at a birth center 🥰
Woohoo congrats! Good luck you’re going to be great!
Mahalo for this! I will be present at my daughter’s home birth. Baby’s Daddy, her midwife & assistant… so having had 3 vaginal deliveries myself (1 all natural, the first 2 were induced)… I know what worked for me changed with each delivery. I also know my daughter’s delivery is HER delivery. I want to come armed with some tools. I arrive this Friday & hope she will still be pregnant (baby is due in 10 days). Thank you for all of this information. Counter pressure is something I will try to offer, providing mama wants it. I truly appreciate this video!❤
Good luck to her!
Thank you for this video. My husband was very supportive when my son was born. However, your video will be very helpful for both of us next time I go through the birth experience
Great job Mama!
You are an absolute genius for the knee idea. Our first baby ever is due March 23 and I guarantee I will be using your idea. Thank you both so much for posting this
My baby is due march 23rd 😮
Thank you for sharing 🙏 shared with my hubby. Had a hard first labor and hoping this one is better ❤
I am hoping for you too! You are strong!
Yessss!!!!! Slow breathing was much better for me. I think that fast breathing would’ve made me anxious
What an understanding birth partner! Thanks for sharing Matt.
I had an epidural with my first and then with my second, it didn't have time to kick in before I had to push (they checked my dilation, I was 6 cm, they moved me from triage to my delivery room, anesthesiologist was waiting for me and they put in the epidural while I was in transition). I want to give birth without an epidural next time, so I'll definitely be showing my husband this video whenever I'm pregnant again. Thanks for sharing your experience
Holy crap you’re a trooper! Best of luck!
What a great video, I loved watching Matt's perspective! My husband is amazing but we are always looking for ways to improve! Thanks for sharing 💜
Great video. Very informative.
Thanks for this. I wasn’t finding any partner advice from the husband point of view and it was a great video for soon to be dad that will be also subbing as a doula.
for a bit my partner was laughing probably cause i was funny..but he was an awesome help thru the birth and was so excited to welcome his son.....it was a natural birth too n took 7 hrs...my baby sister done most the rubbing and stayed with me overnight to help.i am now 26 weeks pregnant with identical twins and i have told them all i want natural birth for these twins...but for a safer birth for both babies n me c section might be the way to go..unless both babies are head down i can deliver naturally...🤞🏼matt u were awesome with meghan❤❤rowan and juniper are so gorgeous! arohamai (love)to ur whanau(family)NZ
Thank you so much! Twins! Wow that sounds awesome. You can do it!
You two are such a great team.
I added the book I read to Megan’s Amazon storefront under “Pregnancy/Postpartum.” It isn’t specifically birthing partner though, more just being a dad. It was called dude you’re gonna be a dad. It was a funny take on the whole thing and gave some good tips through a comical and sarcastic lens. It fit my learning style a little better. I didn’t follow EVERYTHING he talked about, but some of it was very educational and eye opening.
For Rowan’s birth it was figuring stuff out as I went, even during the delivery, and then discussing afterwards what worked and what didn’t. Then I applied it all to Juniper’s birth. I can’t hammer home enough that it really boils down to giving everything you have as the non-birthing partner into the entire experience. Leave it all out there on the delivery room floor. Show your birthing partner how much you love her.
How do you deal emotionally with seeing your partner in pain?
Great question. It’s heartbreaking. I tried to remember that it isn’t meaningless and that beauty comes from it. It was something I stuffed down at the time and then talked through later when the birth was over. It’s hard to see, but what she’s going through is even harder. I turn that energy into affirmations for her. It helps me feel better and helps take my mind off of it.
Love this!
God bless the two of you ❤
Our daughter Juniper Lilly will be here in 3 weeks! My beautiful wife also wants to do a unmedicated birth. Your content is very helpful, thank you so much
What a great video
Hi! Do you share any examples or links to your birth plan? Trying to find a template.
Matt, do you have tips as a birthing partner to keep your own fear and worry down?
Like tips that I used to keep my fears and worries down? Generally I operate well under pressure so I had that going for me already. It’s a nervous and exciting and terrifying experience. It helped a lot to be an active participant in everything instead of an observer or spectator. I felt involved and like I was contributing. I also knew that it would help Megan be calm if I was calm. That mellow environment was important to her.
If there are specific worries or fears, talk about them with each other or your birth team.
@@Matt_Acuna I just saw this response, thank you!!
Loved this. 😊
Thank you use this information 😊
Your communication is beautiful
What is a birth partner? What not just say father?
Some people might have another support person like a doula, their mother or sister, etc. It's also more inclusive to non heteronormative couples!
@MeganAcuna only a man and a woman can make a baby
Love this but guess I’m too old. I can’t handle the like after like.
Guess you are 🤷🏼♀️
You are called a mother.. jeez birthing person!
I’m happy being a birthing person! Lol
@ashleyrajan93 I think she’s just trying to say “as the one going through and giving birth; the one feeling all the pains” verses the one who isn’t. I’m not sure why people get mad at these “labels “
@SugieF0604 i think its because society are trying to do away with the role of females and mothers and all the feminine terms and what they truly mean and the significance of being an actual woman. They won't even say breast feeding anymore, it has to be chest feeding. It might not look like much right now but it's the start of something bigger.
You are called a bigot… jeez
Women are the only ones who can give birth... men can't
What’s a birthing person ? I thought only women gave birth
It's the main support person for the birther who isn't a medical professional or a midwife.
Women are people 😅🤣
Also, not all people who give birth are women 🙂
You are correct only women give birth. They want to make a tiny percentage of people feel better so women must shut up and not claim anything for ourselves.
Can't believe you had to wear masks during delivery!