Should the husband be in the delivery room?

For many, the question of whether the husband should be in the delivery room is no longer needed. Nowadays, most hospitals in Malawi are encouraging partners to be in the delivery room when their babies are born. Whether you are married or not, there are reasons why women prefer their partners to be available when giving birth. Cecilia Kapalamula walked on the streets of Blantyre to hear views on the issue.

Ellena Panamiyo: Chilomoni

Yes. A lot of men think that giving birth is a simple issue, that is why a lot of them force their wives to have many children. If they see how hard it is and what women go through when giving birth, many would have a change of mind.

 

Steven Mpemba: Ndirande

No. It is not good because husbands may be affected psychologically. Men can feel sorry for their wives after witnessing what she goes through while giving birth.

Gift Malizani: Ndirande

Yes. If you really love your wife you have to see what she goes through. You both contributed to the pregnancy. If the wife is refusing to have another child you cannot force her.

 

Sibongile Banda: Chemusa

No.  He may start losing interest in you because of what he will see during the labour. This may influence him to look for other women. We will be on the forefront saying that our husbands are womanisers.

 

Faith Samson: Soche

No. It is not good because there are a lot of women available in the room. It will not be good to see other people’s wives giving birth. Even if the husband is there, nothing can change: we will always feel the pain. There is no need for him to be available.

 

Jacob Banda: Mbayani

No. There is no need for him to be there because even if he is available, he cannot reduce the pain that women go through when giving birth.