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Father's presence at birth seems to have little effect
Dec 28, 2009, 3:08 GMT
Berlin - 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 labour, 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 labour does not need an uncertain or nervous partner around,' he said.
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