I figured I would stick with the dad theme this week since Father’s Day is just around the corner.

I subscribe to Fit Pregnancy magazine, and this month’s issue had a great little story about the types of fathers-to-be labor nurses encounter in the delivery room.   The article is a description of 8 types of dads the labor nurses most commonly encounter, 4 of which they love and 4 of which they can live without.

Here is a description of one of the dads they love and one they don’t.  If you have a chance to pick up a copy of the June/July 2007 issue of the magazine be sure to read the other descriptions, they are hilarious.

Bite-the-Bullet Bob: this dad they love.  He can’t stand his wife’s pain or the sight of blood, but he’s determined to be there for her, even if he barfs or faints.  His willingness to take it for the team is endearing.  He avoids watching the delivery from ground zero, won’t cut the cord and winces until the goo is gone, but he’s right there.  Even if he can’t stay conscious when the needles come out, he has the good sense to have lined up ancillary support: her sister, mother or a doula.

Couch Potato Carl: this dad they could live without.  He sleeps, watches TV and crams the room with high school buddies.  His best friend, Party Dad, “celebrates” way too early, and his cousin, Smoker Dad, disappears frequently for “fresh-air”.  He’s oblivious to mom’s needs and won’t forfeit the couch to anyone who’s actually providing labor support.  If he glances up from his Game Boy, we’re shocked.  Why is he there?  To fulfill the minimum requirements of fatherhood and brag that he was in the delivery room.

Other dads the nurses loved were Doula Dad and Doughnut Dad (he brings treats).  Others dads they didn’t like so much were Dictator Dad, Pedantic Pete and Father Nature.  New American Dad made honorable mention for the support they show even coming from countries where it is still unusual for dad to even consider being in the delivery room.

So what kind of dad were you in the delivery room?  If you haven’t done it yet, what kind of dad do you think you’ll be?