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At the present time there is much speculation about whether the father’s presence at childbirth should be allowed, or whether this possibility should be prohibited. For some this presence and support may be pleasant, for others it could rather do harm. There are many sensible reasons for having the father at the birth, but also reasons that deal with why the father should not have the option to be present at the birth. Who else would know better whether the father’s presence will help than the mother herself? The father’s presence at the birth has enormous advantages, both for the woman and for the man and their future relationship. Nevertheless, the final decision must be made jointly by each couple.
News in the form of the father’s presence at birth
Now you may be thinking that this option for expectant dads has existed for several years, so what is new? We will explain that to you as well. From a historical perspective the option for the father to be at the birth is a relatively new matter and a possibility that men have gained. Although it has been around for a few years, until modern times it could only have been a dream for many future mothers and fathers. In earlier times the future father was forbidden from entering the maternity ward, and in times when births still took place at home with a midwife present it was no different. The father was expelled from the room where the woman was giving birth. Today, however, there is no exception to the fact that a woman in labor is accompanied to the maternity ward by her husband, who can be a great support during childbirth, which many women will certainly welcome.
The woman should have the final say
The woman in labor should definitely have the final say about whether she wants her man close by. Who else? The most important thing is to ensure the woman as much comfort as possible during childbirth and conditions that make it easier for her to give birth. Only she herself knows best whether the man’s presence will be a beneficial or rather a stressful factor for her. And those around her should act accordingly. Only she knows whether the man will be a support, encouragement and helper who will help her manage the birth better, or whether his presence will stress her even more and she needs to go through this phase of her life alone. Therefore it is very good if the option of the father’s presence at the birth is carefully considered, discussed and a joint decision is made in which the woman concerned has the main voice. It is very important to know whether the man would manage this role of supporter in the delivery room; if he does, you will feel better with him.
Why the father should be present
The partner functions as the woman’s protector throughout life. And it is precisely this that the man feels during childbirth more than at any other time. A woman is exhausted, tired and very easily vulnerable during childbirth, so the man may feel a moral need to be by his partner’s side at this moment more than at any other. And the partner’s presence can really help the woman. The woman gains the opportunity to lean on the man and share all her feelings together. She can also use help with everyday tasks, such as getting to the toilet, which is very exhausting for a woman during labor. Support through ordinary partner gestures such as holding hands, a squeeze of the shoulder and an embrace also means a lot to a woman. The partner thus receives all the help she needs from a close person, which has a positive effect on her strength and psyche, and the partner will feel useful, will have the feeling that in this stressful situation he can do something, which will help him a great deal as well. In addition, such cooperation in the delivery room can deepen and strengthen the partner relationship.
