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As a woman, would you want your husband present during childbirth?

By Musa Adekunle

10 October 2024   |   3:17 pm

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Childbirth is an intensely personal experience, and opinions about having a partner in the delivery room vary. While some women see it as a bonding moment, others prefer the privacy of handling it alone or with medical staff. Guardian Life asked women their thoughts on whether they would want their husbands by their side during…

Childbirth is an intensely personal experience, and opinions about having a partner in the delivery room vary.

While some women see it as a bonding moment, others prefer the privacy of handling it alone or with medical staff.

Guardian Life asked women their thoughts on whether they would want their husbands by their side during childbirth, and here’s what they had to say:

READ ALSO: 40m women risk prolonged childbirth-related issue yearly

Victoria, 32
“I would not encourage my husband to be in the labour room with me, especially if he’s not the doctor on duty.
“For one, I’m a Nigerian and I know that men are attracted to what they see. Seeing me and all the blood may actually give him nostalgic memories every time we want to make out, and that may deter him from exploring as he should.

“Secondly, does he really need to be there? Childbirth is a woman’s thing and not a man’s, so the experience should be exclusively for women. It’s the way the universe ordained it.”

Favour, 30
“Why not? A man should take care of his woman’s needs, even in the small things. I’m not saying the man has to do everything, but it is considered an act of service.”

Mercy, 29
“As a woman, yes, I would like for my husband to be present during my labour. We both conceived the child, and his presence would be a major source of strength and support too during labour and would make it easier for me as a woman.”

Nike, 28
“Yes. Birthing a child is not the same thing as passing out urine. It is a procedure that sometimes arises with complications and unexpected outcomes. A woman needs all the mental and emotional support she can get. So yes, he should be present.”

Zainab, 34
“Yes, I definitely want my husband in the room. It’s a big moment for both of us, and I think it helps him understand what I’m going through. It’s also comforting to know he’s there to support me emotionally, even though I’m the one doing the heavy lifting!”

Chioma, 29
“Honestly, I’m not sure. On one hand, I want him to witness the birth of our child, but on the other, I’m not sure how comfortable I’d feel with him seeing me in pain or vulnerable. It’s a tough decision, and I think it depends on the person.”