"Why men should NEVER be at the birth of their child"

[Epacris]

Wow, this thread actually prompted me to ask my DH, "So how was the experience of DS's birth for you?", I'd never thought to ask him before.

He said that it wasn't "pleasant", but the he wasn't "traumatised" by it, but that he could basically "take it or leave it". It was a bit of a shock for me to hear him say that because my feelings about DS's birth are so different. DS's birth for me is (so far) the most amazing and cherished experience of my life, and my DH was such an integral part of it. I couldn't have done it without him and I absolutely did not want any other support person there instead of or in addition to him.

DH did go on to say that by far the most important experience for him was EVERYDAY, sharing our lives with our son.

Anyway, I think Astrid is spot on. It's all about having information/education and making informed choices, and having those choices respected.