My father was not present at my birth. Most men weren’t in the early 70s.  Birthing was women’s business. The men waited outside. I’m sure my Dad is not bitter about this. Grateful might be a better word although I’m not sure because we’ve never spoken about it.

Like many men of his generation, he has never been great with blood or with hospitals. But perhaps he was disappointed.

When it came time for me to give birth, 25 years later, the idea that my husband would be anywhere other than by my side was unthinkable.

And so there he was. And it was magic.

I’m always amused when expectant parents talk about the birth and the guy loudly states he’s “going to be up the face end”. Without wanting to burst his bubble (OK, maybe I want to burst it a bit), I always reply: “You know, the ends aren’t that far apart. It’s not like you have to take a cab from one to the other…..”

Because it’s true.

All you need to do is glance slightly to the left or right and there you will be greeted by the sight of THE OTHER END.

And probably? You’ve SEEN THE OTHER END BEFORE. That’s how we got here, right?

But is there any room these days for men to ask NOT to be at the birth? Neither end? Or is any reluctance they may have just piffle compared to the pain and hardship the woman suffers?

According to SMH:

Was your partner present when you gave birth? If you don’t have kids, was your own father there? Did he want to be?

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