A father's presence during childbirth seems to have neither a positive nor negative effect on the process, according to a study by a Germany medical society.
Achim Woeckel of the DGGG (German Association for Gynaecology and Birth Aid) said studies of childbirths showed that a partner's presence had little impact on the length of labor, the need for painkillers or the likelihood of medical intervention. At the same time, the father's presence had no correlation with the rate of complications.
But Woeckel says it might help for fathers to attend men-only courses - not couple's child preparation courses. Doing so can have positive effects for the couple's happiness, since fathers might pose questions in such sessions that they wouldn't when their partner is around.
Attending such a course also means fathers tend to have a more positive memory of the birth experience. Properly prepared men are more comfortable in their role. They know that, in the delivery room, their job is not to provide guidance or do work, but simply to be there and trust in the medical staff to do their job.
Additionally, men should exercise their right not to be in the delivery room, if they so choose, says Klaus Vetter of the DGGG.
'A woman in labor does not need an uncertain or nervous partner around,' he said.
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4 comments:
They need to do this study in the US. I believe the result will be much different.
So a man (who may or may not have children or attended their births) says that a woman doesn't need her husband or partner around at the time of their child's birth? I believe this is absolutely not true. I am about to give birth to our third child and have shared birth dtories with many of my friends and relatives. If possible, I believe most women want their men by their sides during labor and delivery as a source of strength and comfort. Perhaps it does not affect certain medical aspects of the birth, such as medication choices (which are often made before the event,anyway) but it certainly can provide the birthing mother with emotional support and comfort, which is very important. Whether or not the man is a licensed doctor or completely inexperienced and unsure, unless he is truly impeding the process I think that if the couple wants to be together during this specil time they shoudl be. What is good for Mama is good for baby!
I don't agree with that... my husband may not be here for the birth of our 3rd child due to being in the military and I am having a very hard time with that. The only person that means the most to be with being there is my husband. So I agree with the comment above that they should do the test in the US and the results will be totally different.
Ina May Gaskin- the famous farm midwife said that love is what got that baby in there and love is what is going to get the baby out. I cant imagine laboring with out my partner there, he is my rock in the whole process.
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