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Do you want your partner in the delivery room? I've never met a mom who didn't—although I know you're out there. Here's a doctor who agrees with you. Michael Odent, an OB/Gyn and childbirth specialist, says, "The ideal birth environment involves no men in general."
Dr. Odent thinks that labor can be longer, more painful and more complicated because the pregnant woman can sense the dad's anxiety and gets nervous. He thinks childbirth would be more straightforward if women were left alone with only a midwife to help them, like in the olden days.
Duncan Fisher of Dad Info says he thinks that a lot of women would be even more nervous without their partner there.
But others say that lots of men now feel pressured to be in the delivery room because it's the thing to do, but that men don't have a "right" to be there—the most important thing is that the mom-to-be feel safe, secure, and supported.
Do you think it's a dad's right to be in the delivery room? What if you're not a couple?
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Comments (23)
I think it should be a joint decision. I told my hubby he can do it either way. If he wanted to be there, then go for it, if not then I would have my Mom there with me. I didn't care if they had a marching band in there when I was giving birth, I just wanted my daughter out of me and in my arms.
My husband was awsome in the delivery room, I dont know what I would have done without him. He had be breathing right, staying focus, encourging me when I needed it. He was really great :). I can understand if some people don't want to be in the room or decide the husband or baby's father stays out, but for us it was best that hubby was there.
It obviously should be mothers decision. However as a huge proponent of the Bradely Method I can't imagine DH NOT being there. The important thing is for the dad to prep as much for the birht as he can and to actively involve himself with the prep for his wife.
I agree I think it should be up to the parent's. If the dad thinks he will be more anxious and nervous than helpful, he should talk to the mother about maybe not being in the delivery room. I on the other hand couldn't imagine doing it without my SO! He was great, didn't annoy me or get in the way. Just basically did as he was told by me, the nurses and the midwife! He stood by and held my hand, wiped my face, even held me up in the toilet when I had to go to the bathroom!
Take away the best source of comfort and assistance? NOT wise.
Birth is amazing for fathers as well. I find it insulting that he'd kick them out. It's their baby TOO.
I definitely agree that it should be up to the couple to decide. I like that the dr at least endorses midwifery... But isn't it odd that a male OB doesn't think men should be in the delivery room? Odd. I wonder if he leaves his patients with the nurses till it comes time to catch the baby?
I also took Bradley classes, but have to admit, that for me, when the going got tough, DH just sort of faded into the background. I really did just end up focusing on my nurse and midwife, but they were really exceptionally supportive.
i think it really depends on the person and what's going on. i know for me, i didn't want my dh joking around and he kept doing it. now, i feel that it was actually good for me. it kept me lose and kept me from tensing up and fighting the ctx. i do agree that more midwives need to be used.
I think that it is a dads right to be there. It is his child too and if he wants to experiance the birth with the wife, gf, babys momma than he should be able too.. Plus he got you into the mess in the first place so he should be there to see what you have to go through to get that special prize. When i had my son my bf and mom where in the room with me until i decided to go through with a c-section than only my mom was there but that is because i wanted my mommy with me.. I am a mommas girl.
I have a feeling I'm gonna end up kicking him out of the delivery room. He's just a very "how - I- want - it " type of person and I'm not going to compromise how I want to deliver my baby just because he's the father. I already am making a birth plan that includes him being kicked out whenever a nurse or midwife comes in to ask questions or check me or whatever.
My husband was great, he was supportive and knew JUST what to do...he never caused me any stress..He did everything he could for me..*I had an out of hospital birth** He ordered my favorite food, rubbed my back, and while I was busy pushing he took my hand and put it on the babies head while she crowned! (I was WAY to involved in pushing to have even thought about it!)...
He made the experience wonderful...