Should the partner be present during childbirth?

[Nigh Invulnerable]

Been there, done that.
And I was kind of around the corner from the "lower regions" for the most part of the 14-ish hours, sitting by her side. So, that's that. Eventually a c-section was made, under general anaesthetic, so I didn't witness the very first second of my daughter being out in the world, but I estimate it was maybe the 5th. Awesome stuff

Also been there, done that. My son was not delivered via C-section so I was there for the whole experience. While a bit gross, it's completely amazing and seeing your child come into the world is just mind-boggling. Also, hearing the nurse say, "That was the biggest baby head I have ever helped deliver" and watching my exhausted wife glare at me was totally worth it.

EDIT: To the women who are for some reason worried about your partner seeing your "naughty bits": He has already stuck his own naughty bit inside yours. Likely he has seen you naked numerous times. Additionally, you will have half a dozen strangers poking and prodding around down there for hours, so him seeing things is nothing, really.

 

[Zack Alklazaris]

I was there for her to scream and yell at during the pregnancy emotionally hormonal rollercoaster, so why not finish it?

 

[Brutal Peanut]

I'd prefer just my Husband to be there with the medical staff, as far as family is concerned. Just for the sake of support, but if he really, truly, didn't want to - I don't think I'd be too hurt by it. Then again, the man lived and worked on a ranch and put his hands up cows and horses to help get the calf/foals out during complications, so if he can't be there to see his own child being brought into this world, there may be something wrong with him. lol

I want to move away before I have children. My family (my Mother especially) has a bad habit of showing up at the hospital and trying to be present in the room, during natural child-birth. The only other person I wouldn't mind being in the room with me, is my eldest sister.

 

[Rascarin]

My partner and I have talked about this already. When I eventually pop my sprogs, my partner is going to be there, and is going to be the one to cut the cord, if its allowed. Cos my partner won't be a parent biologically, its important to us that they are there from the first moment, so nobody can say that they aren't our childs other parent.

As for the uncontrollable pooping... shit happens.

 

[Something Amyss]

Fixed! (I think)

Yay! Inclusion! (I seriously wasn't trying to be a dick)

Personally, I think it'd be mostly up to my partner's wishes. Like, I asked my girlfriend about this, and she doesn't really have an opinion at this point. We're not looking at kids any time soon, so it's not like she has to have an answer in stone or anything. Given the option, I think I'd like to be there, but I would never show up if I was making her uncomfortable or the like.

I love her, but I wouldn't want to risk the wrath of a woman in labour.

If it's the man who you want to be present: Then yes, I think the moral thing to do is to support your partner

If it's the woman who you want to be present: Then you might want to also ask the doctors why you're male and giving birth.

XD

 

[Simon Pettersson]

Of course I would be there for her. I don't have problem with all that icky part I was there when it was concieved (I hope) and I should be there when she pops out.

Captcha: meddling kids

ehm yeah captcha ...

 

[MeChaNiZ3D]

Well I'm a guy, so I'd ask her what she thought.

What, a sensible answer not good enough?

Generally I'd say the guy should respect the partner's wishes but if he's an eldritch abomination of some sort he should probably remain outside.

 

[Alexias_Sandar]

I've been there for my spouse three times.

 

[Headdrivehardscrew]

Depends. I've seen several grown and very manly men turn weird after being more or less present in the operating theatre/wiccan bloodbath room/squirting enclosure. Some got quite traumatized, one decided he preferred being gay the moment he watched his daughter being pressed and sucked into this world, while his wife-to-be turned into something from the scarier bits out of, say, The Thing and/or The Exorcist. For some couples, it's important and it strengthens their bond in these fickle times, for others it's best to focus on the mutual love and respect parts but just not force things. I myself would put the focus on having a good, caring, loving, reliable father around instead of wanting to share 'everything' with him, as that's usually a quick recipe for disaster.

 

[The Great JT]

I think that if the birther wants them present they should, otherwise no.

 

[-Dragmire-]

I kinda have to be there, so why shouldn't he suffer with me?

Boyfriend does want to be there, but if and when that happens he'll be by my head thank you very much.
Though I do often joke that he better damn well cry if I pop out a kid for him (boyfriend does not cry. Sad films- nothing, pictures of sad animals- nothing, suffering- nothing, funerals- nothing).

Besides, it'd be pretty boring otherwise, it can take a looong time. Don't really wanna go through that on my own.

From the explanation my parents gave me I'd say you'll have your boyfriends hand in such a strong vice grip he won't have much choice in the crying matter.

 

[Lieju]

I suppose if I'd want my partner to be present if I gave birth(unless she was very afraid of blood and all that stuff), and if she was the one having the baby, I'd want to be there too.
(I'm lesbian, so it could be either me or my partner having the baby)