Posted by Scarface at 5/13/08 4:15 p.m.

What a bunch of tripe. If my partner were expecting an our ob-gyn uttered a piece of bilge like this, he would lose a patient so fast his head would spin.

Posted by Jennifer Margulis at 5/13/08 7:38 p.m.

I have an even better idea for how to reduce stress during labor and how to ensure that delivery goes well: get out of the labor room completely. We had a terrible time with our first and decided to have our second and third at home. It was the best thing I've ever done. My husband was with me for every second of each labor but while in the hospital room he was treated as an intruder (and terrified as he watched everything go wrong) at home he did the work for me. I like to say that he gave birth to our second child and I was just along for the ride. He held me up, stayed calm while I wasn't, and reassured me that I could get through it. I think dads do have a place and a role in labor. But it's no wonder they get stressed out. Labor is really hard and most hospitals make you feel like a failure as you are working harder than you ever had or ever will in your life.

I've read Odent and like him and I'm curious to learn more about his point of view. Thanks for bringing it to our attention Paul.

Posted by phred1 at 5/14/08 8:36 a.m.

There is an old joke about a guy who was a very high up executive who died and is just arriving in heaven...St.Peter greets him and gives him the tour...telling him when the bell rings to go over and get into line for meals...the first time this happens the guy goes over, finds a long line and simply cuts in at the front of the line...St. Peter yanks him out of the line and admonishes him...the guy goes on to explain the elevated position he held before death and how he should not have to stand in line. St. Peter gives him a lengthy lecture about how everyone is equal in heaven and he just has to get used to being humble and taking turns. Later he checks on the guy as he is standing in line once more...the guy demands to know how come another guy just got to walk up and cut into the front of the line and no one was stopping him??? St. Peter asks which guy did this and the man points out someone at the front of the line, in a white lab coat with a stethoscope hanging around his neck...St. Peter says, with a laugh, "Oh, that's just God, he thinks he's a doctor!" ...and just when I thought physicians were becoming more humanized and less arrogant, someone like this doctor comes along and indicates father's don't belong with their partners during the birthing process...no doubt he finds it intrusive and annoying, requiring him to interact with the Mom and Dad beyond a "quick and dirty" delivery demanding no interpersonal skills and limiting the time involved. Time is money!!!! Even if it is proven labor is prolonged, the solution lies in how to support the Mom and Dad in avoiding those psychologically snags, not just barring the father! How archaic and cruel.

Posted by unregistered user at 5/16/08 11:47 p.m.

Michel Odent is French, not British. Also, he has since said that he did not write the article, but was merely interviewed for it.

Posted by Andre Chmielewski at 5/19/08 12:46 p.m.

I originally posted the comment on my blog because I was looking into attending my child's birth. I found this point of view to be seriously outspoken and on my forum, as in this one, he continues to be.

I found his point of view interesting. I believe that fathers who read parenting blogs are involved and have the emotional maturity to attend their child's birth. On the other hand, I can think of some men who ought not to. I'm sure you can think of some people like this, too. :-)

I got a great response from the post and the comments of encouragement were great and have motivated me to in fact be at my child's birth. I'm excited about being a dad :-) :-) :-)