Do Men Hinder Birth?

By Tine Reese

One of my Facebook friends sent me a link to an article titled, “Having an all-female environment is the best birth plan.” In it, the revered (in some circles, mostly female) obstetrician Michel Odent has declared that “women are better off giving birth in an all-female environment because the presence of a male partner—or even a male doctor—may make her feel pressurised and/or distracted.” Yeah, I can see how that would be true.

Another article recapping the subject,“Should men be barred from the delivery room?” has garnered a lot of comments and feedback. It’s an interesting thought that I’m sure will spark debate from men and women on both sides of the argument. I for one don’t think men should be banned, especially not fathers, but I do agree that most women would be more comfortable with female doctors and midwives. After all, women attempting natural childbirth need to feel completely uninhibited and free to be their most primal selves when birthing. I don’t know many women who could do that with a strange man in the room!

After reading this article I asked my husband (who was present for the births of our two sons) what he thought about it. Being the medically-squeamish guy that he is, he says that he could have done without seeing the actual birth but was happy to have supported me. I think that a lot of men long for the good old days of waiting in the lobby and smoking cigars. The writer of the first article has a hilarious take on the subject: “After witnessing the birth of their child the average nice, kind modern bloke will say it was “amazing” and “moving” and they wouldn’t have missed it for the world. And often they mean it, I’m sure. But sometimes they’re just saying it because they’re nice and kind and love their partner and think that’s what she probably wants to hear. In truth, the process of giving birth belongs so completely – so intensely and mystically, never mind physically – to a woman that, caught up in the moment, she probably wouldn’t notice if all the men in the world popped out for a collective pint. Later, of course, she needs you. Why isn’t that enough?”

So, I want to know what you think. Do men help or hinder labor and birth? First-time moms, will you have men at your birth? Let us know.