Exploding Birthing Myths - an alternative viewpoint?
1) Do husbands/partners really like to witness the birth of their offspring?
A very definite no, no, to this. Most husbands will say yes, when they
actually mean no, and can you blame them? Poor souls they prefer not to
think about it, and to fret in private, or better still seek commiseration
with their mates over a glass of beer.
2) Do mothers-to-be really like to have their husbands present at the birth?
Most women can think of nothing worse! They like to keep their privates,
private and can you blame them? A far better idea is to have another woman
present, such as a doula.
3) Do husbands yearn to hold their newborns seconds after the birth?
Definitely not! Men without exception don't like getting their hands
messy. Get it all cleaned and parcelled up nicely then present it to your
partner. This has the added advantage that you can play a guessing game
viz. so is it a boy or a girl then? Hint. wrap it tightly in neutral
colours first and they won't have a clue.
4) Being present at the birth fosters paternal bonding based on a shared
experience?
Firstly it is in no way a shared experience! Do men suffer the pain and
discomfort to even the slightest degree? Of course not! Secondly bonding
with whom? We can rule out baby because he/she thankfully won't remember a
thing about the birth, and mum would rather just forget the whole event
and get back to normal. Dads are just relieved when its all over and they
will rarely talk about it again, although they might suffer nightmares for
a while afterwards (only if they witnessed the event).
5) Mothers-to-be need to attend all the pre-natal courses available if
they are to stand any chance of surviving child birth?
Clearly this is complete tosh. Women have been giving birth for thousands
of years, and it is only recently that they have had the opportunity to
receive intensive pre-birth training. Giving birth is a completely natural
phenomena so why complicate and confuse the poor souls; just leave it to
nature. Intervention in this natural process is rarely necessary, unless
of course there are complications. No amount of head knowledge acquired by
the mother can be brought usefully to bear in such situations, in fact it
is more likely to increase the mothers anxiety. Give mothers the basics
and leave it at that.
In conclusion, take courage and ignore these fads, instead do what you
feel most comfortable with. For many couples this will mean turning back
the clock.
Globalappointments wish to make it clear that they do not necessarily agree with the views expressed above and merely wish to question modern wisdom in the light of history, and perhaps open up a wider debate on the subject. No one would wish to deny mothers-to-be their special status in society and rights to the best advice and help that current knowledge can offer.
