I have to say I have never really given it much thought I have always been happy for the support person to cut the cord.... my BHL couldnt be there for the birth of DD2 so my mum was and so she got to cut the cord which she says that it is something she will never forget, she actully said the seeing the birth from the other point of view for the 1st time was quite dornting( sp? ) as she said she felt helpless to help my pain and didnt know if what she was tring to do was helping or if it was annoying me ( I guess as she has been on the birthing side where sometimes things just p!ss you off ) So maybe thats how your DH felt, maybe he felt like he couldnt help so distanced himself with reading a book maybe this time you will have to tell him what you want him to do like GET ME ICE CHIPS NOW !!!!

I guess what I am saying for me it doesnt bother me I go in expecting the support person to be the one cutting the cord as after all I get the 1st cuddle as baby is alway put straight on our tummys and that is where the cord is cut from... But do what you feel you are comfortble with, but dont leave you DH out or he might resent it... Talk to him let him know how you felt last time....