Oh baby, I needed Plunket snuggle blanket

Adam Green

This week The Hits Hawke's Bay has been all about our Pledge for Plunket.

As a father, this is a cause I could really throw my weight (and fake pregnancy belly) behind. Why?

Because the first time you become a parent, a strange realisation comes across you.

You go through all the preparation in the world for what the birth is going to be like.

Antenatal classes open you up to the reality of the birthing suite as you sit wide-eyed like a possum in the headlights with other expectant parents and learn about pushing, and breathing techniques and best and worst-case scenarios.

And that's just in the line to get the free Tim Tam and cup of tea before they run out!

Your midwife preps you on birthing plans and pain relief and "no, you can't try the gas if you're the husband, it's just for the mother, sorry".

But then, when it's all said and done, and the adrenaline has worn off and the nurses are packing the things away, it hits you.

You. Have. A. Baby. A tiny mix of each of you all wrapped up in a cute pink blob that cries and wriggles and you are, as parents 100 per cent in charge and 99 per cent without a clue!

Questions abound.

"Is that supposed to becoming out of there?"

"How sensitive is the fonta-thingy, yeah, that's it the fontanelle, is that a direct line to their brain?"

"How do I hold it . . . I mean her?"

And then they send you HOME! "What? Home? By ourselves? With the BABY?"

The lucky ones have parents, or brothers and sisters that have done it all before, but eventually you'll be there.

Just two parents, without a guidebook and with a baby that is doing none of the things your friend's baby did.

Enter, Plunket.

"Yes that stuff is normal. No you won't hurt baby's brain just by touching the fontanelle, you're holding her fine, and just like millions of parents before you, you've got this"

They are the parental equivalent of a baby's snuggle blanket.

There when you need them with a reassuring word and a pat on the back.

And it gets easier, and you learn, and you slowly convince yourself that yeah, I DO have this! I'm raising a child!

And there was Plunket, right beside you.

So cheers, Plunket. You did such a good job we decided to go pro and do it a couple more times! - Adam

* Text Hits to 2448 to make an instant $3 donation to Plunket with The Hits Pledge For Plunket.

* Don't miss Adam Green and Sarah Van Der Kley on The Hits Hawke's Bay from 6am to 9am, Monday to Friday.