my dad wasnt there for mine (1980) or my brothers' births, and my mum said she was happy with it that way. he just dropped her at the hospital then came back when it was all done!!

for the birth of DH (1965)his mother gave birth at about 6am, and the doctor was worried to ring her husband because he didnt want to get him out of bed so early in the morning!!!!! [-X can you believe that!!!! (mind you she told him to ring then and there)