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Next week's dilemma

Virginia Ironside
Thursday 19 January 1995 00:02 GMT
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My partner is pregnant and we're both looking forward to our first baby. The problem is that I have been to a couple of ante-natal classes with her, and feel very squeamish about the whole business.

I can't enter into the same spirit of the thing, like other dads, and feel extremely embarrassed. I have never liked the sight of blood, and I really don't want to attend the birth. It wouldn't be far wrong to say that I dread it but my partner desperately wants me to be there and I feel I'm letting her down if I refuse. I must add that in most areas I am a fully paid-up new man. I share the cooking, shopping and housework. What should I do?

All comments are welcome, and everyone who has a suggestion quoted will be sent a Dynagrip 50 ballpen from Paper:Mate. Please send your comments and suggestions to me at the Features Department, the Independent, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E1

4 5DL, fax 0171-293 2010, by Tuesday morning. And if you have any dilemmas of your own that you would like to share with readers, let me know.

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