0:00:02 > 0:00:04- Pain. - SHE PANTS
0:00:04 > 0:00:05Labour.
0:00:05 > 0:00:07SHE SCREAMS
0:00:07 > 0:00:08Good girl.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10A newborn baby.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13The biggest day for any new mum.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17But do the dads get a look in?
0:00:17 > 0:00:21One in three young men in the UK feel left out of the pregnancy
0:00:21 > 0:00:24and side-lined at the birth.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26Men do tend to take a back seat.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29We're just really there to take the abuse.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31But all that is about to change.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34This whole pregnancy is happening to me as well.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37I'm not pregnant but I'm, in a sense, going through it.
0:00:37 > 0:00:42In this brand-new series, first time dads-to-be will get
0:00:42 > 0:00:46a crash course to hopefully become the perfect birthing partner.
0:00:47 > 0:00:48SHE SCREAMS
0:00:48 > 0:00:49I don't think I'm prepared at all.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51I haven't got a clue at the minute.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55It's such an unknown to me, and that really scares me.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58Put through their paces by midwives with years of experience...
0:00:58 > 0:00:59So you tell me what you can feel.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03We've never done anything like this before, working with the father.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05It's going to be really different for us.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07..and with each other for moral support...
0:01:07 > 0:01:09Thank God you're here.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12..these men will get closer to the delivery action
0:01:12 > 0:01:14than they could have ever imagined.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16He's done brilliant, absolutely brilliant.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19- I've got a tear in my eye now. - Yeah, yeah. Lovely, isn't it?
0:01:19 > 0:01:22But when push comes to shove...
0:01:22 > 0:01:23Come on, push, push!
0:01:23 > 0:01:26Keep on going, baby girl. Keep on going, baby girl.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28..will these dads deliver?
0:01:28 > 0:01:31It's the hardest thing I've ever done, this.
0:01:31 > 0:01:36This programme contains some strong language.
0:01:36 > 0:01:41Tonight, two young dads-to-be in urgent need of help.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47In Milton Keynes, 23-year-old Jamie and Karen had only
0:01:47 > 0:01:51known each other for three weeks when their lives changed forever.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54It was literally the first time that we'd slept together
0:01:54 > 0:01:58that she got pregnant. It was a huge shock.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00I was on the pill. I wasn't expecting it.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02So it does happen - first times can happen.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05But with just two months to go,
0:02:05 > 0:02:09boy's boy Jamie has yet to face up to being a dad.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11He's still clinging on to being a lad.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15He's just a party animal but I suppose that's going to cut...
0:02:15 > 0:02:17Well, it has cut down a little bit, not a lot.
0:02:17 > 0:02:18Oh.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22But Jamie's partying hasn't cut down enough for Karen's liking.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24It's almost like he's trying to ignore the situation
0:02:24 > 0:02:28by still going out, still sort of living the life he did before.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35And all the nights out don't leave much time for swatting up
0:02:35 > 0:02:37on the facts of pregnancy.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39When I say, like, I'm having a contraction,
0:02:39 > 0:02:42do you know what it is that's contracting?
0:02:42 > 0:02:44Not exactly.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46His base level is zero.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49He knows the baby comes out of the vagina and that's about it.
0:02:49 > 0:02:50Have you heard of afterbirth?
0:02:50 > 0:02:52After you've given birth.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- If I go, like, overdue... - What's that mean?
0:02:56 > 0:02:58Karen's been nagging me to read these books and things
0:02:58 > 0:03:01and that's been the last thing on my mind.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03I don't think I'm prepared at all.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06Also, Karen suffers from a blood disorder called ITP,
0:03:06 > 0:03:10which affects the body's ability to stop bleeding.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13This may mean she can't have pain relief at the birth.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18So, literally, I'm just sort of going to go in,
0:03:18 > 0:03:20and have as natural a birth as I can.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23Helping Karen through a drug-free, painful labour
0:03:23 > 0:03:26means Jamie's support will be even more important.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28It would just be a massive weight off my shoulders
0:03:28 > 0:03:31knowing that Jamie knows what to expect.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34You know, if a worst-case scenario was to happen, then
0:03:34 > 0:03:37he would be OK under the pressure cos he will know what to do.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40With time running out, and Jamie showing little
0:03:40 > 0:03:43sign of mending his ways, Karen's at the end of her tether.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47At the moment, cos he doesn't know anything,
0:03:47 > 0:03:49I think he'll be more of a burden than a help.
0:03:49 > 0:03:5570 miles away, in Leicestershire, is problem dad-to-be number two.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58I don't know an awful lot about babies.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01They need feeding, they go to sleep
0:04:01 > 0:04:04and then you need to change the nappy. That's about it, really.
0:04:04 > 0:04:0619-year-old Jordan
0:04:06 > 0:04:09and 18-year-old Angel met on the internet a year ago.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Now they're moving in together and Angel's eight months pregnant.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15I didn't plan to get pregnant and I was really shocked when it
0:04:15 > 0:04:18happened and I was really worried about what me and Jordan would do.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21Now, cos we're going to be living together,
0:04:21 > 0:04:23I'm really excited about it and I can't wait.
0:04:24 > 0:04:29With the responsibility of a flat, bills to pay and a baby coming,
0:04:29 > 0:04:32Jordan's not your average teenager.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34Put them in there for now.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38No, I don't go out drinking every weekend or owt like that.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41In fact, we'll just stick 'em straight in the oven.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45I'm not a big clubby person - I prefer to stay in and watch TV.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- Do you want to stick them under the sink for us, please?- Yeah.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51You know, family's the most important thing.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53It's much nicer going on a walk with a family
0:04:53 > 0:04:55than being stuck on the Xbox.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01This teenage dad-to-be does want to get hands-on in the delivery room.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05The only problem is young Jordan lacks confidence.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07I don't really feel prepared at all, really.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09I do want to be involved.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12You know, I've always said that I wanted to cut the cord
0:05:12 > 0:05:13and obviously I'm a bit nervous of doing it.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15Ah, maybe it goes that way.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19At the moment, he doesn't really know anything about labour
0:05:19 > 0:05:22and what to do and so he's completely clueless.
0:05:22 > 0:05:23I think I've got it now.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26I'd just stand there, really, and obviously, probably, just hold
0:05:26 > 0:05:29Angel's hand and let everybody do what they want.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33Jordan's desperate to man up quickly to avoid getting sidelined at
0:05:33 > 0:05:38the birth because willing and very able to help out is Angel's mum.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40I'm going to actually touch your belly when you're in labour
0:05:40 > 0:05:43cos I want to see if I can feel a contraction.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45Do you want a hand?
0:05:45 > 0:05:46No, it's all right.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50I think that Jordan's worried about having my mum there.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53I think he feels like she's going to be all the help
0:05:53 > 0:05:55and he's just going to be useless.
0:05:55 > 0:05:56Two times.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00Angel and Jordan are quite young parents.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04I mean, if he needs my input, I'd help calm him down and just
0:06:04 > 0:06:06take over looking after them both, really,
0:06:06 > 0:06:08getting them both through it.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11I'd prefer him, probably more than anyone around me,
0:06:11 > 0:06:14cos I love him so much and he's so important to me
0:06:14 > 0:06:17so I'd like him to get involved quite a lot. As much as he can.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22Jordan and Jamie are going to need all the expert advice
0:06:22 > 0:06:24they can get to rise to the occasion.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31Taking on this unique challenge to transform these two lads
0:06:31 > 0:06:34into super dads are two teams of experienced midwives.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36Hello, Labour Ward.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38Hiya, I'm here to meet Angela.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41Whipping Jamie into shape at Milton Keynes Hospital
0:06:41 > 0:06:42is Angela Weatherley.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44- Hi.- Hey.- Jamie?- Yep. Is it Angela?
0:06:44 > 0:06:48She's delivered 600 babies in 11 years as a midwife,
0:06:48 > 0:06:52but does she have what it takes to tame a party animal like Jamie?
0:06:52 > 0:06:55Jamie hasn't sort of read any books, like I have.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59He doesn't know anything about pregnancy, about labour,
0:06:59 > 0:07:03about the birth, about the first couple of weeks.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07I think the only reason why he's like that is he's just naive, really,
0:07:07 > 0:07:08naive to the whole situation.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11..Thinking about how are you going to support her.
0:07:11 > 0:07:12Have you thought about it?
0:07:12 > 0:07:15Well, yeah, I have thought about it
0:07:15 > 0:07:17but I don't really know what... how I can help.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19How would you...? What have you thought about?
0:07:19 > 0:07:20I don't know, really.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23At the moment, she knows that I know nothing
0:07:23 > 0:07:26and haven't got a clue about what she's going to be going through.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28With only weeks to go until the birth,
0:07:28 > 0:07:30Angela's already worried about Jamie.
0:07:30 > 0:07:36He needs to get stuck in so that he can be a proper father for baby
0:07:36 > 0:07:40and a support for Karen because their relationship's going to be
0:07:40 > 0:07:43built on how helpful he can be.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46In terms of Karen, she's got a blood condition, hasn't she?
0:07:46 > 0:07:47Yeah.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51The chances are much higher that she won't be able to have an epidural,
0:07:51 > 0:07:57analgesics, and anaesthesia, so it's going to be that much more on your shoulders.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Right.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02Angela urgently wants him to understand
0:08:02 > 0:08:07the crucial role he must play in supporting Karen through the birth.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11So maybe it would be a good idea to start off by trying
0:08:11 > 0:08:17to understand a little bit about what a contraction might be like.
0:08:17 > 0:08:18It'd help.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- So you can take your shoes and your socks off.- Oh, God.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24To help do this, she has a plan which will give Jamie
0:08:24 > 0:08:27an idea about the intensity of pain in labour.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33A contraction is about a minute long.
0:08:33 > 0:08:38So we're going to see whether you can last for a minute
0:08:38 > 0:08:42and I'd like you to put your feet in there.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47- Both? - Both. Right under. Go on, that's it.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49Now, how's it feeling?
0:08:49 > 0:08:51Freezing.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55Tell us how it's feeling. Talk me through it.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58My feet feel like they're going to fall off.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01While Karen may have to endure hours of pain
0:09:01 > 0:09:06under the midwife's supervision, Jamie only has to manage one minute.
0:09:06 > 0:09:07HE GASPS
0:09:07 > 0:09:10So we're halfway through.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13We're at the peak of the contraction now. 50 seconds.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15HE MOANS
0:09:16 > 0:09:2055. And up to 60.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24So that's about a minute. How did that feel?
0:09:24 > 0:09:27I feel a bit sick. One of the worst pains I've felt.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29I don't know how she's going to manage.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31Well, she's going to manage because you're going to help her.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34You're going to support her and she really needs that.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37Imagine what it would be like for her if you weren't there.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40If that's anything like what a contraction is, then yeah,
0:09:40 > 0:09:41it's pretty mind-blowing,
0:09:41 > 0:09:44and when I took my feet out I did feel kind of physically sick.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46I was just, I don't know, it was really weird.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49I just wasn't expecting it to be as bad as it was.
0:09:49 > 0:09:54After one lesson, Angela evaluates the challenge ahead.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58Jamie didn't know anything when he first came in.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02He was more clued up on how to go down the pub with his mates
0:10:02 > 0:10:05than becoming a father.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09So it's really important that he starts to think about what
0:10:09 > 0:10:11he can actually do to help her.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15But it seems the short, sharp shock treatment might have finally
0:10:15 > 0:10:18woken Jamie up to what lies ahead.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21I think, after today, it does give me a better understanding
0:10:21 > 0:10:24of the role that I'll play if she's going through that much pain.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26I think it has taken me a lot longer to come to terms with
0:10:26 > 0:10:29the fact that we're going to be parents.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32I definitely think I'm slowly building up
0:10:32 > 0:10:35and getting a bit better and more knowledgeable and more helpful.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43Meanwhile, in Leicestershire...
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- Hello.- Hello, how are you doing? - I'm Jordan.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50Guiding Jordan through labour is Nicky Cuthbert.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53At 26, she has five years' experience as a midwife
0:10:53 > 0:10:59but can she turn teenage Jordan into the confident dad he wants to be?
0:10:59 > 0:11:01I think a lot of younger dads especially
0:11:01 > 0:11:04lack confidence and that can come across as a little
0:11:04 > 0:11:07bit like they don't care what's going on when they definitely do.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09I haven't seen anybody in labour before, no.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11No, OK.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13Well, me and Debbie, Debbie's another midwife from our team,
0:11:13 > 0:11:16are going to hopefully help you understand a little bit more
0:11:16 > 0:11:19about how to support Angel in her labour,
0:11:19 > 0:11:22and little tips that might help you feel more confident. OK?
0:11:22 > 0:11:26And to start with, they're throwing Jordan in at the deep end
0:11:26 > 0:11:29as Nicky's colleague, Debbie, begins to simulate labour.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31Do you need anything doing? Do you need...?
0:11:31 > 0:11:33MOANING
0:11:33 > 0:11:36Oh, it's coming, it's com... Oh, do come here.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39What, what do you need? What do you want doing?
0:11:39 > 0:11:41SHE MOANS
0:11:50 > 0:11:52Would sitting down help?
0:11:52 > 0:11:53Huh. I'll try the bed.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58After two long minutes,
0:11:58 > 0:12:02Nicky decides to put a dumbstruck Jordan out of his misery.
0:12:02 > 0:12:07Debbie's a difficult customer, but that is quite an accurate
0:12:07 > 0:12:10representation of the later stages of labour.
0:12:10 > 0:12:11Did it make you feel uncomfortable?
0:12:11 > 0:12:14I didn't expect it to be that intense and especially
0:12:14 > 0:12:16when there was nothing you can do or anything.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19You know how Debbie was pacing and she was getting all frantic
0:12:19 > 0:12:20and didn't know what to do with herself?
0:12:20 > 0:12:24That's really normal during labour but sometimes, just having that focus,
0:12:24 > 0:12:27eye to eye contact, taking her hand and saying,
0:12:27 > 0:12:31"You're going to be OK. Take a big deep breath in with me and out."
0:12:31 > 0:12:34And then she'll just naturally keep that rhythm more and more.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38After Nicky's top tips, Jordan tries again.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40OK, so Debbie's back in labour.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43Do you want to see how you can support her and ease her back.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- Are you OK?- Oh. Yeah. - Are you OK like that?
0:12:50 > 0:12:53Maybe we could try standing up slightly, do you think?
0:12:53 > 0:12:55Or leaning over? Is it niggly?
0:12:55 > 0:12:57SHE MOANS
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Maybe try it? That's it. One more try.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02Try leaning onto the bed like that. OK.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- Oh, that's better. That's better. - OK, better?- Better.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08SHE MOANS AND PANTS
0:13:08 > 0:13:12OK. Breathe out. Out through your mouth.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15And again.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19SHE GASPS AND MOANS
0:13:19 > 0:13:20Breathe slowly.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24Just remember, in through your nose and out through your mouth.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26My goodness. I think you did really, really well.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28- Does that feel better? - Yeah. Thank you.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31For the teenage Jordan with zero experience of childbirth
0:13:31 > 0:13:35before today, it's one big step forward.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39For somebody like me to come in and be like that straightaway,
0:13:39 > 0:13:41it is, you know, it is overwhelming
0:13:41 > 0:13:44because it's like, "Well, what do I do?"
0:13:44 > 0:13:46It's really important to remember during the labour that
0:13:46 > 0:13:49you're incredibly important to whatever happens.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51So keep that in your mind.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53Angel's mum and the midwives will be there
0:13:53 > 0:13:55but ultimately, you're her partner.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57It was really good.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Very interesting and makes me feel a bit more confident on things to do,
0:14:00 > 0:14:05and how I can actually help Angel when she actually goes into labour.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08But Nicky knows there's still a long way to go.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11He's not the finished article because, until a real labour,
0:14:11 > 0:14:15you can't entirely know how you're going to react.
0:14:15 > 0:14:16I think he's on his way,
0:14:16 > 0:14:19but I think there are other ways we can help him.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23While Jordan's eager to face up to his responsibilities,
0:14:23 > 0:14:26party boy Jamie is off on a lads' night out where,
0:14:26 > 0:14:30despite best intentions, his willpower may be tested.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34So tonight, I'm just going to go down, meet a few of my mates,
0:14:34 > 0:14:36play some pool and have a couple of beers.
0:14:36 > 0:14:37Just catch up, really.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39Jamie's promised Karen it won't be a big night.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- Speak to you later. - See you later. Have a nice time.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44And he says he'll be home at a sensible hour.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50Out of Jamie's tight-knit group of friends,
0:14:50 > 0:14:52he will be the first one to become a dad.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57THEY ALL LAUGH
0:14:57 > 0:14:59What about you boys? When are you having one?
0:14:59 > 0:15:01THEY LAUGH
0:15:01 > 0:15:04It's closing time, when Jamie said he'd be heading homeward.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07What are we doing? Going out for a drink somewhere?
0:15:07 > 0:15:09Revs till 12 and then home.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14But the pull of his old life proves too much
0:15:14 > 0:15:17and Jamie forgets his promise to Karen.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36Cheers.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40It's after midnight in Milton Keynes.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48Jamie's had a call from Karen and is in big trouble.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52Was it a subtle "not happy" or was it shouting "not happy"?
0:15:52 > 0:15:55This is ridiculous. Why am I out this late?
0:15:55 > 0:15:57I should have gone home, like, ages ago.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59I can't say anything that'll make...
0:15:59 > 0:16:01Don't worry about it.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03A little bit worried, cos obviously Karen's going through
0:16:03 > 0:16:07so much worse and I'm still going out so, yeah,
0:16:07 > 0:16:10I don't think I'm in her good books at the moment.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14Over two hours late, Jamie arrives home.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39Next morning, and he's still in the dog house.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43I was trying to get hold of you for, you know, a good hour
0:16:43 > 0:16:45and you didn't look at your phone.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47It annoyed me that something could have happened.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49Obviously, that sort of stuff worries me -
0:16:49 > 0:16:52that something'll happen and I won't be able to get through to you.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55I don't know. I just didn't want to face the reality of it.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57- Yeah.- Kind of.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01I just get caught up and don't have any willpower to stop
0:17:01 > 0:17:03or stop drinking and come home.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05You know, you say you've got no willpower now.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08Why should I think that'll change when the baby's here?
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Yeah, I've just got to try and prove that to you.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14He needs to start living OUR life
0:17:14 > 0:17:16cos at the moment he's still just living his.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19It's been eight months since Karen fell pregnant
0:17:19 > 0:17:23and Jamie the lad is still struggling to face up
0:17:23 > 0:17:25to being Jamie the dad.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28I've just got to prove to her and myself that I am going to change,
0:17:28 > 0:17:30that I am going to be there.
0:17:30 > 0:17:35So midwife Angela's come up with a last ditch attempt to help him
0:17:35 > 0:17:38start connecting with his child.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41And she's brought in a special assistant.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- You look frightened. - I just don't know what to expect.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48- What am I going to do to you next? - Yeah. What else is there in store?
0:17:51 > 0:17:52Oh, my God.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- Hi.- You all right?- Yeah.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00What are you doing here?
0:18:00 > 0:18:02Surprising you.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06Jamie's struggled to connect with the idea of becoming a dad.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10Angela is hoping that getting him hands-on will help.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13Jamie's role is to stay with her and be there for her
0:18:13 > 0:18:17and nurture her through a labour and birth.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21Without him, she'll be really frightened.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25We want to use this time that we've got with Karen to see
0:18:25 > 0:18:28if you can get to know baby a little bit better.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35So, any idea?
0:18:35 > 0:18:41To do this, she teaches him to work out where the baby is in the womb.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44Not too hard but firm enough so that you can feel it.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48This needs to be done carefully and with the supervision of a midwife.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51I'm guessing that his head's, like, at one side.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55It feels more solid on this side.
0:18:55 > 0:18:56Yeah. It's a good start.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00But Jamie's learning fast.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05I feel his head and his bum.
0:19:05 > 0:19:10You've got that completely spot on. You felt that head.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- Yeah.- Definitely, didn't you? - You could feel round the head, yeah.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16It's nice to know that he can feel it.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19I don't have a clue where he is until the midwife tells me
0:19:19 > 0:19:21so it's nice that he can. He knows where it is.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- And listen to baby's heart rate? - Yes, please.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28Now Jamie feels more key signs of the teeny life inside Karen.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31Do you know what the heart rate should be like? What number?
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- Not for a baby. - How many beats a minute?
0:19:33 > 0:19:36I know that ours is around sort of 60, 70.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38- OK, so baby's smaller.- Yeah. - A bit more like a little bird.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41So it's going boom, boom, boom, boom, boom.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44Somewhere between the region of 120 and 160 beats a minute
0:19:44 > 0:19:46is normal for a baby.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48Growing confident with Jamie's progress,
0:19:48 > 0:19:51Angela allows him even more responsibility.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55Put your ear to that and then once you've got the ear positioned
0:19:55 > 0:19:58then take your hands away and listen.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06For the first time,
0:20:06 > 0:20:09party animal Jamie is falling for his unborn child.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12So tune into that sound - the doom, doom, doom.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17Don't look at me.
0:20:17 > 0:20:18SHE LAUGHS
0:20:18 > 0:20:19Yeah.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22It takes a lot of practice.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25It might be something that - more homework -
0:20:25 > 0:20:28something that you can try at home
0:20:28 > 0:20:31as well as putting your ear directly on Karen's tummy.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48Just to feel for the baby and then listen to his heartbeat,
0:20:48 > 0:20:50it does make it feel a lot more real.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53It'll be interesting to watch how you cope.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55Well, I'll have to try.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59Even Karen is feeling more reassured.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02It would be nice - the more sessions that we do -
0:21:02 > 0:21:05hopefully he'll sort of come to terms with how important
0:21:05 > 0:21:07he is in the labour and the birth.
0:21:10 > 0:21:15With just weeks to go until the big day, the midwives have arranged
0:21:15 > 0:21:19for the debut dads to meet up as part of their parental preparation.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- Hello, mate. How's it going? - I'm Jordan.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25- It's nice to meet you.- You too.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29The lads visit a place close to Jamie's heart
0:21:29 > 0:21:32and one Jordan visits less often - the pub.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- We're going for a drink in there? - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39Sometimes it's quite hard not feeling like
0:21:39 > 0:21:41a part of the whole baby.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44I just feel like I'm maybe not doing enough
0:21:44 > 0:21:47or maybe not doing what I should be doing, just to help her.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50Or to feel a part of it, really.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52You've made that baby and, you know,
0:21:52 > 0:21:55your partner's carried that baby throughout the whole time.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58You want them to know that you are happy and you're excited
0:21:58 > 0:22:01and, you know, to be able to bring them into the world.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04For me, it's like... I've said it lots of times...
0:22:04 > 0:22:06You want to be a part of it as much as you can.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09Yeah. I've said lots of times I wish I could feel him kicking.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12Angel said to put your finger inside your mouth and push out
0:22:12 > 0:22:15and hold it there for about ten seconds.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19She said that's actually how it feels when baby kicks.
0:22:19 > 0:22:20They're feeling it inside them.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23You know, just little things like that, it's like, "Wow!"
0:22:23 > 0:22:25D'you know what I mean?
0:22:25 > 0:22:27As Jordan warms to the lads' bonding session,
0:22:27 > 0:22:30he shares his fears of being sidelined at the birth.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33Although you want to be there for your partner as much as possible,
0:22:33 > 0:22:35that's your main aim, to be there for your partner,
0:22:35 > 0:22:37you have to be a little bit selfish,
0:22:37 > 0:22:40and think, "I actually want to do something for me as well."
0:22:40 > 0:22:42When you think of a birth it's, OK, you're there,
0:22:42 > 0:22:44you support your partner.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47The baby comes out, and gets put straight onto their mum
0:22:47 > 0:22:49and you have to wait a good five minutes
0:22:49 > 0:22:52until you actually get hold of your own baby.
0:22:52 > 0:22:53So from a selfish point of view,
0:22:53 > 0:22:56before the midwives have got their hands all over 'em
0:22:56 > 0:22:59and things like that, just for me to have that first contact.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02Yeah, I'd definitely agree and love something like that as well.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06You just want to be fully involved in delivering
0:23:06 > 0:23:08that baby as soon as it arrives.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11I mean, I'd jump at the chance of doing anything like that.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- Good luck as well.- Yeah, you too.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15Hopefully, a nice healthy baby on the way soon.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17Yeah, let's hope.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20For both dads, meeting up has helped each of them
0:23:20 > 0:23:23feel more confident about impending fatherhood.
0:23:23 > 0:23:24It's been a good day.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27Meeting someone that's going through, well,
0:23:27 > 0:23:30he's been through what I'm going through already.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34Yeah, it was good to meet someone that knows what I'm feeling, really.
0:23:37 > 0:23:38Jamie's a nice lad.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41You know, it's nice if somebody's had a similar experience to you
0:23:41 > 0:23:44and they've gone through similar things to you.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52Next day, and fresh from the lads' pep talk,
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Jordan's discussing birth plans with Angel.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57If I kind of took a back seat, it would be like I'm not
0:23:57 > 0:24:00really involved and also,
0:24:00 > 0:24:04I don't want you to feel like I'm not bothered
0:24:04 > 0:24:09or I'm not interested, when I am.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12It's just obviously not knowing what to do.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16It'd be easier to let your mum take control.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18I want you to be stuck in.
0:24:18 > 0:24:19Yeah, I will.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23She obviously knows a lot more than I do, like
0:24:23 > 0:24:26how to help you and things, so it's like...
0:24:26 > 0:24:29- Mm, but I think I would prefer you doing more stuff.- Yeah.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34You know, I don't want you to be in pain or upset or anything but...
0:24:34 > 0:24:38I think just trying to support you and obviously,
0:24:38 > 0:24:40you know, hopefully you'll tell me what you want
0:24:40 > 0:24:42and what you don't want at times.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46Yeah, but if I think I want something and then I change my mind,
0:24:46 > 0:24:49I don't want to make you feel bad.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52No, but that's obviously expected.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59We'll get through it. We're both there for you, aren't we?
0:24:59 > 0:25:01With Angel counting on him,
0:25:01 > 0:25:05it's down to Jordan to make sure he's fully prepared for the big day.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10So he's heading off for another midwife session.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12See you, have a good time.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14The teenage couple have opted for a birthing pool
0:25:14 > 0:25:17so their baby will be born under water
0:25:17 > 0:25:20and Jordan wants to know what support he can offer Angel.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25Jordan's really, really keen to have that massive part
0:25:25 > 0:25:27in introducing baby to the world.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31So hopefully, once Angel's birthed baby,
0:25:31 > 0:25:34then Jordan can just help guide baby up to the surface.
0:25:34 > 0:25:40But with water births, there are special considerations.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43It's very important when baby's coming up to the surface that
0:25:43 > 0:25:45baby doesn't obviously then go back down again.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48Cos for a long length of time, if baby was under the water,
0:25:48 > 0:25:52then the oxygen is depleting and baby could be at risk of drowning.
0:25:54 > 0:25:55- Hello.- Hello.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57Would it make you nervous,
0:25:57 > 0:26:00the thought of guiding the baby to the surface?
0:26:00 > 0:26:04Yeah, because obviously it's not something that you'd normally do.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06And it's something that obviously I'm not trained to do,
0:26:06 > 0:26:09like you are, so it's a bit... It's a bit daunting.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14With this position,
0:26:14 > 0:26:17if you imagine Angel was labouring here, you can be rubbing her back
0:26:17 > 0:26:20and doing all those bits but in a perfect position.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23The birthing centre allow dads to get in the pool with Mum,
0:26:23 > 0:26:26meaning Jordan could get the key role at the birth
0:26:26 > 0:26:28he's got his heart set on.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Baby just sort of pops out and into the water.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34So if we imagine what we're doing on you,
0:26:34 > 0:26:36if you lean forward and then we can...
0:26:36 > 0:26:38- I can have a baby. - You can have a baby too.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42When the baby is born, Jordan can catch it and gently guide it between
0:26:42 > 0:26:47Angel's legs to the surface to take the all-important first breath.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50And so remember, once your baby has taken a breath of air,
0:26:50 > 0:26:53your baby then obviously can't go back underneath the water again. OK.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57If you dunk the baby back underneath the water, it could drown in
0:26:57 > 0:26:59the same sense that we could drown if we went underneath the water.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03For a 19-year-old who was lacking confidence from the start,
0:27:03 > 0:27:04it's a big responsibility.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08- So you need to be guided by us on the day.- Yeah.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10OK, and if everything's straightforward and fine,
0:27:10 > 0:27:13- then there should be no problems with you doing it.- Yeah.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16But we'll be very strict if we feel like there's any reason why
0:27:16 > 0:27:20we wouldn't want you to be doing it and just let you know at the time.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24If the situation happens that I can't be as involved as I want to be
0:27:24 > 0:27:28then obviously it's disappointing, but I wouldn't want to do anything
0:27:28 > 0:27:31which can harm the baby or Angel. They're the priority, really.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35The possibility of having such an important role in the birth
0:27:35 > 0:27:40has put Jordan on a high, brimming with confidence.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44It's so amazing thinking that I can be in the pool with you.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47Me and you can both guide baby up together
0:27:47 > 0:27:50and watch them having their first breath.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52I said, "That's just so amazing."
0:27:52 > 0:27:54It's really nice to see that you're really happy about it
0:27:54 > 0:27:58and really getting involved now. It's lovely. It's great.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08I can't wait now. I said that to you earlier, didn't I?
0:28:08 > 0:28:12I said I can't wait now. I just want the baby to be here.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14It'll be good.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25With the births looming, and the dads desperate to learn more,
0:28:25 > 0:28:27the midwives crank it up a gear.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30- Thank you.- Go and get changed. - Will do.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32- Congratulations.- Thank you.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36Angela shows Jamie natural pain relief techniques
0:28:36 > 0:28:39to support Karen during birth.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42Lower. It's good.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44Do I keep my hand in the same place or work around?
0:28:44 > 0:28:46Yeah, that's fine. That's good.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49And instead of partying...
0:28:49 > 0:28:50You look like me.
0:28:50 > 0:28:56..Jamie spends a whole weekend as a heavily-pregnant woman.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59And midwife Angela notices a massive transformation.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03He's starting to put everything into place.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06He's a different person now, he really seems engaged.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09Jordan gradually boosts his confidence further by learning
0:29:09 > 0:29:11to cut a real umbilical cord.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14Like cutting a bit of fat off a steak or something.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17- That was the same. - Yeah, it's really tough.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20I think this is going to be my chair.
0:29:20 > 0:29:25So now you can either rock forwards, like that.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27Go forward and then you can do that way.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29Jordan's learnt loads about the equipment
0:29:29 > 0:29:32so he'll be really good at guiding you.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34His confidence has grown.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37Do exactly the same. Rock from side to side.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46Ah. So tiny. You don't realise how tiny they are, do you?
0:29:46 > 0:29:50And the reality of becoming a dad at his tender age starts to hit home.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53I'm 19 and obviously your biggest worry is what happens if I do
0:29:53 > 0:29:56drop them or something like that cos you...
0:29:56 > 0:29:58And also, you see their head bobbling about
0:29:58 > 0:30:00and you're always thinking, "Oh, my God."
0:30:00 > 0:30:04You know, it just makes you worry and think,
0:30:04 > 0:30:06"I've got to do this properly."
0:30:09 > 0:30:12Finally, in Leicestershire, it's D-day for Jordan.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15I'm getting contractions - of course I'm sweaty!
0:30:15 > 0:30:18Angel's contractions have started,
0:30:18 > 0:30:21so her parents are driving them to the birthing centre
0:30:21 > 0:30:23in nearby Melton Mowbray.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37Watch your driving - she's bobbling about too much.
0:30:37 > 0:30:41Her contractions have been about a couple of minutes apart
0:30:41 > 0:30:43to a minute apart.
0:30:43 > 0:30:48They've been lasting for about a minute, so they told us to head down.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51You've been in a lot of pain, haven't you?
0:30:51 > 0:30:55We haven't had much sleep. You've been sick a few times, haven't you?
0:30:55 > 0:30:58Jordan and Angel have opted for a birthing pool where the water
0:30:58 > 0:31:04is heated up to around 37 degrees, to help relieve the pain of labour.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07- Hello.- Come on straight through. - Cheers.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15But as well as a birthing pool, she'll need to lean heavily
0:31:15 > 0:31:18on both her birthing partners - her mum and Jordan.
0:31:21 > 0:31:26Over the last few weeks, teenage Jordan has had to man up fast...
0:31:26 > 0:31:28I think I've got it now.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30..build up his child birth confidence...
0:31:30 > 0:31:32Breathe slowly, that's lovely.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35In through your nose and out through your mouth.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38..and under the midwife's supervision,
0:31:38 > 0:31:40prepare for a key role in the water birth.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43If you dunk the baby back underneath the water, baby could drown in
0:31:43 > 0:31:47the same sense that we could drown if we went underneath the water.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49The couple have been planning this day for months
0:31:49 > 0:31:53but now that push comes to shove, will Jordan have the confidence
0:31:53 > 0:31:56to step up and play the leading role he craves?
0:32:04 > 0:32:06A sip of water?
0:32:06 > 0:32:09Yeah, I'll try some water. OK.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12Angel's contractions are getting stronger
0:32:12 > 0:32:16and her mum steps in to help.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22I'm going to go and get the ball and things, all right?
0:32:22 > 0:32:26Jordan will need to draw on all his training to keep Angel calm,
0:32:26 > 0:32:30starting with his knowledge of the first stages of labour.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36It all depends on how long your contractions are,
0:32:36 > 0:32:38that's what she was saying.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40Get you moving about and get them to how they were
0:32:40 > 0:32:42and if they were how they were, they might take...
0:32:42 > 0:32:46You might take two or three hours. You might take five or six.
0:32:46 > 0:32:47Don't tell me that. It hurts.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49No. I mean...it all depends.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51I had all night with them.
0:32:51 > 0:32:56In Milton Keynes, it could be the moment of truth for Jamie and Karen.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59- KAREN:- It's like 12.45 in the morning.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02I'm going to go into the living room cos
0:33:02 > 0:33:04I can't get comfortable in bed now.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07Here, I'm going to leave you to go back to sleep.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11I'm probably not going to be able to go to sleep for a little while
0:33:11 > 0:33:14but I'll leave you to go to sleep.
0:33:14 > 0:33:15OK.
0:33:15 > 0:33:20Over an hour later, when Jamie was still asleep, Karen's waters broke.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22This is where it all started.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27At 2.45 this morning.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30Jamie called the hospital immediately
0:33:30 > 0:33:33who advised him to bring Karen in.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37We've kind of been expecting him to be late and then I was in bed,
0:33:37 > 0:33:39and Karen was trying to sleep on the sofa.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41She's come running in and woke me up -
0:33:41 > 0:33:43it was about 2.45 - saying her waters have broken.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46The time has come for Jamie to step up
0:33:46 > 0:33:49and give Karen all the support she needs.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51Over the last month,
0:33:51 > 0:33:54the midwives have helped party boy Jamie face up to fatherhood.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56Oh.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00So tune into that sound.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05He's learnt hands-on skills for the delivery room.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08I'm guessing that his head's, like, at one side.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12But with Karen unlikely to be allowed much pain relief because
0:34:12 > 0:34:18of her blood condition, can he support her when it really matters?
0:34:18 > 0:34:23Also on hand to help is Karen's mum, Julie.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25Come on, you can do it.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27SHE MOANS
0:34:27 > 0:34:30Guided by midwife Angela, Jamie puts his knowledge into practice
0:34:30 > 0:34:32and helps monitor the baby's progress.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34Good. You're hearing baby's heartbeat.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37It's getting lower down as well. It's moving down.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44Keep sucking it in.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50And he's proving to be quite the star pupil.
0:34:50 > 0:34:55Reading his heart rate, so making sure it's about 140.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01Yeah. He's not too distressed, is he?
0:35:03 > 0:35:05Karen's doing really well.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10SHE MOANS
0:35:12 > 0:35:15Karen's been having contractions for seven hours
0:35:15 > 0:35:17but now they're getting more frequent.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19SHE MOANS
0:35:19 > 0:35:21That's really good. Keep going, you're doing well.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23Keep it up.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26Good girl, Karen. You're doing fantastic. You're doing really well.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28Good girl.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32Good breathing. Keep it like that. Keep going.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35- Good girl.- One more.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39With his newfound knowledge, Jamie continues to support Karen
0:35:39 > 0:35:42through her increasingly painful labour.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46Keep it like that.
0:35:46 > 0:35:48She's doing really well.
0:35:48 > 0:35:53Getting through the contractions, one after the other one, no break.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56Just with the gas and air as well.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58Keep it up, Karen.
0:35:58 > 0:36:02He's really using the skills that he's learnt
0:36:02 > 0:36:05and having to put that into practice to support her.
0:36:05 > 0:36:09It's really helping that he's had that previous knowledge beforehand.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11He's doing a really good job.
0:36:13 > 0:36:17At the birthing centre, Jordan's trying to keep Angel calm
0:36:17 > 0:36:20as they prepare for their water birth.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26Oh, we certainly will.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29Then we can do everything as we planned.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33Despite being just 19,
0:36:33 > 0:36:36his dream is to take a leading role in the delivery.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39You both would like to get in the pool, is that right?
0:36:39 > 0:36:41- Yeah.- That's fine. And you'd like to cut the cord?
0:36:41 > 0:36:44Yeah. When baby's out, obviously depending on...
0:36:44 > 0:36:46I'd like to dry him and then weigh him.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48What we'll do is, when baby comes,
0:36:48 > 0:36:52if everything's going well, you can help bring baby to the surface.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54Is that all right? Yeah?
0:36:54 > 0:36:57But with Angel's mum also providing support,
0:36:57 > 0:37:00will Jordan have the confidence to get hands-on
0:37:00 > 0:37:04and be the first person to touch their baby?
0:37:04 > 0:37:08- Do you want me to get a flannel? - If you want.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12Mop your brow. Feel nice?
0:37:12 > 0:37:14Mm-hmm.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17My little girl is going to be a mum.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21There's not, you know... There's not a lot that you can do at this stage.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24If she's comfortable and happy in the pool and she's not in pain
0:37:24 > 0:37:26then I'll leave her in the pool.
0:37:26 > 0:37:30If she's happy, she's happy.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34No point in moving her if she's, you know, so...
0:37:37 > 0:37:40How are you doing? Has it been a long night, then?
0:37:40 > 0:37:43- Did you manage to get some sleep? - Bits, yeah.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46Midwife Nicky arrives to supervise the birth.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48I think it's especially difficult for men
0:37:48 > 0:37:52if girl's mums are present because naturally they sort of
0:37:52 > 0:37:56go towards getting support from their mum more and more.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59- I'm going to come in, is that all right?- Yeah.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02After you've had your contraction.
0:38:02 > 0:38:06Encouraged by her presence, Jordan takes the plunge.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08I'll get round you, sweetheart.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16Where do you want me for now?
0:38:16 > 0:38:17Behind.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20If you do want to lean on me,
0:38:20 > 0:38:23- then I can sit on this step at some point.- Yeah.
0:38:23 > 0:38:28If you tell me when it happens, which side you'd prefer baby's head...
0:38:28 > 0:38:29Mm.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31..then that's the way I'll push him.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34The weeks of practice start to pay off as he supports Angel
0:38:34 > 0:38:35through the pain.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38Good. OK. Keep breathing.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41Try not to fight it, breathe through it. I'm here, darling.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43Good girl, good girl. Keep that breathing.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46SHE PANTS
0:38:46 > 0:38:48Keep that breathing. Good.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55You're staying in a really good rhythm with your breathing.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57You're doing fab.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59Jordan's doing really, really well.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03I think having a specific role like getting into the pool
0:39:03 > 0:39:06and being able to support her and help her move in the pool
0:39:06 > 0:39:08is really helping him.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11I've seen him helping her rock her hips and keep to a rhythm.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13- Up a bit.- Towards the middle.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16And then also massage and touch over her back.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19He's been quite hands-on with wanting to give her a massage
0:39:19 > 0:39:21and support her.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23Keep swaying them hips.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26Teenage Jordan has impressed.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29Deep breaths, deep breaths.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33But the greatest challenge, catching their baby underwater,
0:39:33 > 0:39:34is still to come.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39KAREN SCREAMS
0:39:39 > 0:39:43Back in Milton Keynes labour ward, after two hours of heavy
0:39:43 > 0:39:47contractions, Karen's exhausted and despite Jamie's best efforts...
0:39:47 > 0:39:50You're doing really well.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53..the pain's getting worse.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00Karen wants an epidural which is an injection administered
0:40:00 > 0:40:03into the back which helps to numb the pain.
0:40:03 > 0:40:08There is a risk of bleeding which is problematic for Karen, because
0:40:08 > 0:40:11with her blood condition, there's a chance the bleeding won't stop.
0:40:11 > 0:40:15Get the doctors to come and speak with you or I'll speak
0:40:15 > 0:40:19with them in the first instance to see what they think.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23She can only have an epidural if her blood count is high enough
0:40:23 > 0:40:25so the hospital are running tests.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31- I want an epidural. - You're doing well, babe.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34- Remember what we said, Karen? - I don't care if I'm doing well.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37You have to wait for the blood, anyway. It's just complications.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40While Karen's contractions get even stronger...
0:40:40 > 0:40:43SHE SCREAMS
0:40:43 > 0:40:46Tell me when you're ready.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50..Jamie remains calm as midwife Angela does a routine check.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54Despite everything, Jamie's doing his best to reassure Karen.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56Keep going.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59- SHE SCREAMS - Oh, God!
0:40:59 > 0:41:02Well done, babe. Keep pushing.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07There's a bit of cervix at the front but the rest's gone.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10Try and relax. You haven't got long.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12Part of Karen's cervix hasn't thinned
0:41:12 > 0:41:14because of the baby's position.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16SHE MOANS
0:41:18 > 0:41:23This is blocking its path out and it's the cause of her extreme pain.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29What you've got is a bit of cervix at the front left to go.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32It may not be possible for Karen to move.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36If it were possible, over onto the ball for us.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42Good girl. Keep it up.
0:41:42 > 0:41:46Angela needs Karen to be upright but she doesn't want to move.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48OK. You're doing really well. Keep it up, babe.
0:41:48 > 0:41:53So it's down to Jamie to use his powers of persuasion.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55SHE PANTS AND SCREAMS
0:41:55 > 0:41:59That's good. Now relax. Relax.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02- No.- It's going to be uncomfortable.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04If Jamie can get Karen upright,
0:42:04 > 0:42:07increasing the pressure of the baby's head on the cervix
0:42:07 > 0:42:10will stimulate hormones and help it to thin out.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21Jamie successfully gets her into the position he knows will help,
0:42:21 > 0:42:24having learnt this from his midwife sessions.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27Squeeze. Squeeze my hand.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30And Karen's following his advice.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32You're doing really well now.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35Jamie's doing everything right.
0:42:35 > 0:42:40He's a perfect birthing partner as he keeps Karen upright and mobile.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42Push the baby out soon.
0:42:42 > 0:42:48Just this last little bit and then she'll be ready to go.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52He's ace.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56Brilliant support and she's really listening to him
0:42:56 > 0:42:58so he's doing a really sterling job.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01Hold on, babe. You're doing really well.
0:43:01 > 0:43:02Keep going, Karen.
0:43:06 > 0:43:07But if Karen's cervix doesn't thin,
0:43:07 > 0:43:11she may need a Caesarean operation to safely remove baby from the womb.
0:43:11 > 0:43:13Good girl.
0:43:13 > 0:43:18In Melton Mowbray, Jordan is still supporting Angel in the pool.
0:43:18 > 0:43:21After three hours, her contractions are getting stronger.
0:43:21 > 0:43:25You're doing really well. You are!
0:43:25 > 0:43:26Yes, you are.
0:43:26 > 0:43:28I know. You feel a bit defeatist
0:43:28 > 0:43:31but you're doing the job that you're meant to be doing.
0:43:31 > 0:43:34- You hold my finger. - Pop. Pop goes the weasel.
0:43:34 > 0:43:37- Well done.- Well done.
0:43:37 > 0:43:40Her waters have broken and she's almost fully dilated.
0:43:40 > 0:43:44Angel, I'm just going to have a listen to little one.
0:43:44 > 0:43:46Yes, I know it's down. There you go.
0:43:46 > 0:43:48SCANNER BLEEPS
0:43:51 > 0:43:54- Yeah.- Yeah. Baby's fine.
0:43:55 > 0:43:58A big breath in.
0:43:58 > 0:44:02Using a special mirror, the midwives and Jordan can see how close
0:44:02 > 0:44:03she is to being ready to give birth.
0:44:07 > 0:44:12Every time you push, it's just opening slightly. Yeah?
0:44:12 > 0:44:13And you can see it.
0:44:13 > 0:44:17I'll sit here and watch it. Really, really good, sweetheart.
0:44:17 > 0:44:19Really, really good.
0:44:19 > 0:44:21Do you feel baby move when you push?
0:44:23 > 0:44:26You'll feel it more and more, you know, as the pressure
0:44:26 > 0:44:29comes down and then you'll feel an intense pressure in your bottom.
0:44:29 > 0:44:32All right? So just go with it and keep pushing against it.
0:44:32 > 0:44:35Push there, sweetheart. Good girl, really, really good.
0:44:35 > 0:44:38- Well done.- Keep going.
0:44:38 > 0:44:43Good girl. Good girl.
0:44:43 > 0:44:45Deep breaths.
0:44:45 > 0:44:49Everything is going well, and with no complications,
0:44:49 > 0:44:52Jordan may be able to realise his ambition
0:44:52 > 0:44:55of lifting baby to the surface but he'll need all his newfound skills
0:44:55 > 0:45:00to keep Angel focussed and calm as the pain begins to mount.
0:45:06 > 0:45:12It's been an hour since I last examined you. It hasn't changed.
0:45:12 > 0:45:15You're getting tired so I don't want you to get exhausted.
0:45:15 > 0:45:16All right?
0:45:16 > 0:45:19Back in Milton Keynes, there's disappointing news
0:45:19 > 0:45:21for Jamie and Karen.
0:45:21 > 0:45:26It has been a long, hard struggle but the cervix won't budge.
0:45:26 > 0:45:32She's tried since 1 o'clock, so six hours and Karen's getting tired now.
0:45:32 > 0:45:34The cervix isn't moving.
0:45:34 > 0:45:37The baby's all good, it's just getting him out
0:45:37 > 0:45:40and around that cervix is not happening!
0:45:40 > 0:45:43We nearly got there with the nurse but it just kept coming back.
0:45:43 > 0:45:45We're going to need a Caesarean.
0:45:45 > 0:45:47As the cervix isn't dilating,
0:45:47 > 0:45:50they won't have the natural delivery they'd hoped for.
0:45:50 > 0:45:55We've tried every avenue. He's being stubborn.
0:45:55 > 0:46:00One in four women in England give birth by C-section.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03Sometimes a general anaesthetic is necessary,
0:46:03 > 0:46:06which means Karen will be asleep for the delivery.
0:46:06 > 0:46:08He's coming.
0:46:08 > 0:46:12There is some good news, though.
0:46:12 > 0:46:17Karen's test results are back and she's been able to have the
0:46:17 > 0:46:21epidural which means she can be awake for the birth.
0:46:21 > 0:46:24This is something that the couple really wanted.
0:46:27 > 0:46:31I'm glad that my platelets are OK, to have been able to have the
0:46:31 > 0:46:35epidural for a Caesarean, otherwise I would have really hated
0:46:35 > 0:46:38the Caesarean under a general anaesthetic.
0:46:38 > 0:46:43But you just have to take extra good care of me afterwards.
0:46:43 > 0:46:44Of course.
0:46:46 > 0:46:48Karen's mum says good luck...
0:46:48 > 0:46:52- Right. I'll see you when you're a mummy.- Yeah.
0:46:52 > 0:46:56..as Jamie is the only one allowed into the operating theatre.
0:46:58 > 0:47:01Yeah, I'm glad that you're allowed in.
0:47:01 > 0:47:06You know, if something happens to me, if there's an issue...
0:47:06 > 0:47:09- It'll be OK.- I hope so.
0:47:12 > 0:47:16He'll be right by Karen's side to support her through the Caesarean.
0:47:16 > 0:47:20And even though it won't be a natural delivery, as a birthing
0:47:20 > 0:47:25partner, Jamie still has plenty to do to help Karen through the operation.
0:47:26 > 0:47:29One big breath in and then push. That's it.
0:47:29 > 0:47:32Keep going. Keep going. Good girl. All right.
0:47:32 > 0:47:35Deep breath in, keep pushing, keep going.
0:47:35 > 0:47:37Keep going, that's it. Good girl, keep going.
0:47:37 > 0:47:39Back at the birthing centre,
0:47:39 > 0:47:44Angel is going into the second stage of labour and is ready to push.
0:47:44 > 0:47:48That's it. Good girl.
0:47:48 > 0:47:51Good girl, you can see it now. Good girl.
0:47:51 > 0:47:55- I see baby. Can I have a quick feel? - Work with it.
0:47:55 > 0:47:58There you go. There you go. That's baby's head.
0:47:58 > 0:48:01- It's not going to be long now. - Keep going.- Good girl.
0:48:01 > 0:48:04For 19-year-old Jordan, all the hard work
0:48:04 > 0:48:07and training has been building up to this moment.
0:48:07 > 0:48:09A far cry from where he was six weeks ago.
0:48:09 > 0:48:15- Yeah, can you feel just there? - Mmm.- Can you feel the head?
0:48:15 > 0:48:18Now what I need you to do is keep pushing past that stinging,
0:48:18 > 0:48:20even though everything's telling you to stop,
0:48:20 > 0:48:22you need to just keep going with it.
0:48:22 > 0:48:25In labour now for 20 hours, Angel is exhausted
0:48:25 > 0:48:27but baby is ready to be born.
0:48:27 > 0:48:31Long and hard. That's fab. Baby's coming beautifully.
0:48:31 > 0:48:34- Good girl. Good girl. - I know it's stinging.
0:48:34 > 0:48:36Under the midwife's supervision,
0:48:36 > 0:48:41Jordan is doing a brilliant job of guiding and reassuring Angel.
0:48:41 > 0:48:44This is the most painful stage of labour,
0:48:44 > 0:48:48pushing out the baby's head, and so Jordan's role is crucial.
0:48:48 > 0:48:53He's offering all the right support at the right time.
0:48:53 > 0:48:56- The head's out.- Brilliant.
0:48:56 > 0:48:59Jordan's learnt that it's important that the baby isn't touched,
0:48:59 > 0:49:02otherwise it could be startled and try to breathe under water.
0:49:02 > 0:49:05- Good girl.- Well done.
0:49:05 > 0:49:09- Good girl.- Excellent, keep going. - Keep going.
0:49:14 > 0:49:17- Sweetheart, I love you. - Love you, too.
0:49:17 > 0:49:18So just give your mum a nod
0:49:18 > 0:49:21so that we know that you're starting to push, OK?
0:49:21 > 0:49:25The shoulders should come and then the body should come.
0:49:25 > 0:49:29One last push and it's the teenager's big moment.
0:49:31 > 0:49:36Jordan is catching his baby girl and brings her safely to the surface.
0:49:36 > 0:49:38Good girl.
0:49:46 > 0:49:49Why's Daddy crying at you? Stop it, Daddy.
0:49:49 > 0:49:52- A bit emotional now, innit? - Your tears are falling on me.
0:49:52 > 0:49:55Jordan has done everything he hoped
0:49:55 > 0:49:58and he is the first person to touch their daughter, Teya Jessica.
0:49:58 > 0:50:04A bit nervous. It's strange but it's lovely.
0:50:11 > 0:50:12You're going to be cold soon.
0:50:14 > 0:50:16It's just so weird.
0:50:16 > 0:50:19I know I'm holding the baby but I still don't feel like it's mine.
0:50:19 > 0:50:21- It's so weird.- She's so soft.
0:50:21 > 0:50:23You've worked very hard for that baby.
0:50:23 > 0:50:26Follow me, that's it. Mind the floor.
0:50:30 > 0:50:31You all right, darling?
0:50:31 > 0:50:33OK? Yeah.
0:50:33 > 0:50:36Keep her close to you to keep her warm.
0:50:37 > 0:50:41- There you go. - Daddy'll keep you warm.
0:50:47 > 0:50:50I think she looks like her dad. Don't you?
0:50:50 > 0:50:53I don't know, I can't really tell.
0:50:53 > 0:50:55She's got Daddy's hair, beautiful hair.
0:50:55 > 0:50:58- And I think she's got Daddy's lips. - Yeah. And probably Daddy's nose.
0:50:58 > 0:51:04I want to put your little mittens on. You've got long nails.
0:51:08 > 0:51:11Hello. You've not closed them eyes, have you?
0:51:11 > 0:51:13You're still trying to... Already?
0:51:13 > 0:51:15Are you trying to talk already?
0:51:15 > 0:51:18I think especially for Jordan's age,
0:51:18 > 0:51:21he showed a lot of maturity in the birth environment.
0:51:21 > 0:51:24I think his increased confidence made it so that he really
0:51:24 > 0:51:28took a keen interest in everything that was going on and saw
0:51:28 > 0:51:31that his role was important and that she needed him all the way through.
0:51:31 > 0:51:32BABY CRIES
0:51:32 > 0:51:35The birth is over for Jordan and Angel,
0:51:35 > 0:51:37but there's still no baby in Milton Keynes.
0:51:42 > 0:51:46Jamie and Karen have been in the operating theatre for 20 minutes.
0:51:47 > 0:51:49BABY CRIES
0:51:49 > 0:51:53Finally, it's over. Jamie and Karen are parents.
0:51:57 > 0:52:01Their healthy eight pound two ounce son has been born by C-section.
0:52:02 > 0:52:06His name's Harley. Harley Mark Anthony.
0:52:06 > 0:52:09Hey, baby Harley.
0:52:09 > 0:52:14Jamie has seen Karen through a difficult 18-hour labour.
0:52:14 > 0:52:17- Did you cry?- I think he cried.
0:52:17 > 0:52:21You are so gorgeous.
0:52:21 > 0:52:23He's proved himself to be the birthing partner
0:52:23 > 0:52:25he hoped he could be.
0:52:25 > 0:52:28- Oh, well done.- Thank you. - Yeah, he's lovely.
0:52:28 > 0:52:33Jamie has been really good today. He's supported Karen brilliantly.
0:52:33 > 0:52:37He's remembered everything that we've been discussing over
0:52:37 > 0:52:41the past few weeks and I doubt she could have done as well without him.
0:52:41 > 0:52:44He should be very proud of himself. I'm sure he is.
0:52:44 > 0:52:48I'm just overwhelmed by how beautiful he is
0:52:48 > 0:52:53and how well Karen done.
0:52:53 > 0:52:55Just proud.
0:52:55 > 0:52:57Hello.
0:53:00 > 0:53:04Both Jamie and Jordan have overcome huge odds to rise to the
0:53:04 > 0:53:08big occasion as hands-on dads in the delivery room.
0:53:08 > 0:53:13The sessions just prepared me for everything that was to happen
0:53:13 > 0:53:15and it was good to know exactly what was going on without
0:53:15 > 0:53:17asking questions and butting in.
0:53:17 > 0:53:20Karen knew that I kind of understood as well so she was focussed
0:53:20 > 0:53:25and not worried about me.
0:53:25 > 0:53:29I can't wait to get him home and start our family together -
0:53:29 > 0:53:31me, Karen and Harley.
0:53:31 > 0:53:34We're just going to have so many good times together,
0:53:34 > 0:53:36seeing him grow up.
0:53:36 > 0:53:39He's beautiful. Look at him. Say hello.
0:53:39 > 0:53:42I've come on leaps and bounds, obviously.
0:53:42 > 0:53:46I wouldn't have done half the stuff that I did before.
0:53:46 > 0:53:50I feel a lot more confident and was more confident in what I was doing.
0:53:50 > 0:53:52What is she?
0:53:52 > 0:53:56- Seven pounds, what?- Seven pounds 15. She's closer to seven pounds 15.
0:53:56 > 0:54:00I feel like I've got a lot better bond with her because
0:54:00 > 0:54:04I was there. I was the first hands on her.
0:54:04 > 0:54:07I just feel like I've got a lot more of a bond
0:54:07 > 0:54:10and a lot more of a connection with her.
0:54:10 > 0:54:13It feels strange, obviously, people saying you're a dad now
0:54:13 > 0:54:15because it's only literally been a few hours
0:54:15 > 0:54:19and I think when we get home, it'll start kicking in.
0:54:25 > 0:54:29It's six weeks after the birth of their daughter, Teya.
0:54:29 > 0:54:35Teenage parents Angel and Jordan are settling into their new family life.
0:54:35 > 0:54:39The best thing about being a dad is when Teya looks into your eyes
0:54:39 > 0:54:42and she smiles at you and it's just, yeah, mind-blowing.
0:54:42 > 0:54:45Me being so involved during the labour has helped us bond
0:54:45 > 0:54:50and, you know, it helped us bond right from the moment she was born.
0:54:50 > 0:54:52It's just the biggest thing.
0:54:52 > 0:54:55Jordan was everything that I wanted and expected from him
0:54:55 > 0:54:58as a birthing partner. He did amazing.
0:54:58 > 0:55:02Yeah, I think I've grown massively from being
0:55:02 > 0:55:06just a teenager to obviously now I've got to be
0:55:06 > 0:55:10somebody who's responsible and be a parent to Teya.
0:55:10 > 0:55:14People say how tough it's going to be and all this sort of thing
0:55:14 > 0:55:17but you don't recognise it, you know -
0:55:17 > 0:55:21this is your baby and you'd do anything for her.
0:55:34 > 0:55:38For Karen and Jamie, the arrival of baby son Harley has brought
0:55:38 > 0:55:40some welcome changes at home.
0:55:40 > 0:55:42It's great to be a dad.
0:55:42 > 0:55:45I mean, just holding him and knowing that he's yours
0:55:45 > 0:55:47and he is your responsibility
0:55:47 > 0:55:50and just having something to base your life around.
0:55:50 > 0:55:53Since we've got back, Jamie's been fantastic.
0:55:53 > 0:55:56I can't fault what he's done.
0:55:56 > 0:55:59He's probably doing more work than I am at the minute
0:55:59 > 0:56:01because I'm still trying to recover.
0:56:01 > 0:56:04But he's saying, "You sit down, you lie down,
0:56:04 > 0:56:07"stay asleep and I'll do this extra feed."
0:56:09 > 0:56:12I've definitely grown up and matured as a person.
0:56:12 > 0:56:15The relationship between me, Karen and now Harley...
0:56:15 > 0:56:19I mean, we're so strong now, and Karen knows how devoted I am
0:56:19 > 0:56:20after the initial hiccups.
0:56:22 > 0:56:26I don't think I would ever be able to manage without Jamie
0:56:26 > 0:56:28throughout the whole...
0:56:28 > 0:56:32I'm going to start crying now. ..throughout the whole thing.
0:56:34 > 0:56:37He's done so much. Sorry.
0:56:57 > 0:57:00Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd