I enjoyed "Women's Experience With Social Presence During Childbirth" (May/June 2007 MCN, 32[3]). It triggered memories of my own childbirth experience 36 years ago, which was similar. I looked for an obstetrician who would allow my husband to be in the delivery room but didn't ask my husband if he wanted to be there (and he didn't!!). I had attended childbirth classes before we were married (as a maternity nursing teacher, I wanted to see what patients were being taught) and did not attend classes with my husband during pregnancy. During labor, my husband sat beside me, which was what I needed from him; I wanted him to be there-he didn't need to do anything. When it was time to be transferred to the delivery room, the doctor said, "Come on, Bill, let's change clothes." My husband was too shy to say, "But I don't want to go into the delivery room." So he was there during the birth of our daughter. When her head emerged, he was told that the baby looked liked him (her nose was squished; his nose had been broken when he was young!!), which was the best thing anyone could have said to him. They gave her to him to hold immediately. Later he said that if we ever have another child, he would have to be in the delivery room because it wouldn't be fair to the child if he wasn't there. I loved that sentiment.

Shannon E Perry, PhD, RN, FAAN