Women: the weaker sex??? get real men!

frequently, I hear men describe themselves as "being a woman" when they think they are being weak. My husband is particularly guilty of this philosophy. this, if nothing else proves that some things cannot be beaten out of you, since, anyone who has lived with me for 30 years would be hard pressed to think of a woman as "weak." I have never been sure about where the whole philosophy came from or why women have allowed it to continue. However, I can testify that after being a Labor and Delivery nurse for 27 years I can attest to the fact that women are definitely not the weaker of the sexes.
I have seen tanks of men faint at the mere sight of a needle or smattering of blood, let alone go through 18 hours of intense pain  followed by 2 hours of attempting to push a watermelon out of your body. I often tell my patients that I did not start the job as a feminist but I sure became one somewhere along the line!
My midwife friend Anne and I agree on one point and that is "who's stupid idea was it to invite men into the delivery room!" no where is the differences between the two sexes more apparent than there. Men want to "fix things and be in control" and I can assure any of them that those things are fairly useless when having a baby. Occasionally, I have the honor of assisting a woman as my midwife friends do: a natural childbirth with no medication. it is at those moments when I remember why I became a birthing nurse and why I am 100% convinced that there is no way women are the weaker of the sexes. the concentration, power and support that is involved in going through natural childbirth is indescribable. every contraction is fought for and a test of endurance. there is no solving, only support and every one of the pains assures us of the power of the female body and the miracle that goes into bringing life into the world. while childbirth is always amazing, an unmedicated birth is truly a thing to behold. there is no force on earth like it and in the core of my being, I know that no man could ever do it.
While giving birth is a testimony to the power of women, motherhood is the true litmus test. it always amuses me that women work, shop, pay bills and care for their husbands and children; but if men are left in charge of the home they are "babysitting." Max would be the first to admit he does not multi-task and nothing needs multitasking as much as parenthood, especially parenting a child with special needs.

When I look back on our child rearing time together it astonishes me how much we got done and how much I did on so little sleep. it is a small wonder now that I love my naps so much! I think I am still catching up. Mothers are ferocious. no one who has ever seen a mother defending her child would have the audacity to describe them as weak. yet, the myth persists. if a man cries he is "being a woman" if he is hurt, he is "acting like a girl." perhaps we should just turn it around and accept the compliment! the last time that Max was foolish enough to comment that he was behaving like a female, I quipped that he should be so lucky! but  dont let them in on the secret. after all, we know that we are the stronger ones so we can give a little|!