Search Results: arguing with mother

The attendance of fathers at the births of their babies was one of the most radical social changes in developed countries in the 20th century. What triggered this worldwide phenomenon? There was certainly no organised lobby in favour, no-one arguing the case to expectant mothers and fathers, no-one researching the pros and cons. It just happened, everywhere in the developed world, all at the same time.

The change steadily occurred with the move of birth from the home to hospital.

But, as we now see in the challenges of encouraging pregnant women to come into health facilities in developing countries, leaving their home to give birth in an alien environment is a daunting prospect. Women want to be in a familiar environment with trusted people about. So, when birth moved out of the home into hospital, women took what they could from home with them. In societies where families predominantly live in small family units, the most available person was the father.

The presence of fathers at the birth, therefore, was driven by pregnant women.

So I do not ask “should fathers be at the birth of their babies?” Perhaps it is just that the question really is “should pregnant women have the right to have family and friends of their choice with them?”