Childbirth: Why the Father's Presence Changes Everything, More Than We Think

Leaving the 2026 World Cup to attend the birth of his first child, footballer Jérémy Doku inadvertently sparked an essential debate about the role of men in the delivery room. Comments from a presenter describing this moment as "disgusting" and the father as a "bit player" have raised a wave of legitimate indignation. This controversy highlights the crucial importance of the second parent from the very first minutes of a baby's life.

The Jérémy Doku Case Reveals Persistent Parental Stereotypes

In the midst of the World Cup, Belgian striker Jérémy Doku made a decision that many parents consider obvious: to join his wife in London for the birth of their son, Praise. However, this intimate gesture was sharply criticized on the set of the show L’Équipe de choc by presenter France Pierron. By claiming that a father is useless during childbirth and that he wastes his time and energy to the detriment of his career, the journalist sparked an immediate outcry on social media, leading to her temporary suspension from the air.

Journalist Clémentine Sarlat quickly reacted by reminding everyone that in 2026, it is essential to value fatherhood and encourage fathers' involvement. This media statement shows that for some, childbirth remains a purely feminine or medical affair, where the man should only be in the stands. Reducing the co-parent to a passive spectator in the face of a medical act ignores the intimate revolution taking place in today's maternity wards.

Also read: In maternity wards, the slow evolution of the co-parent's role

The Delivery Room is the Ground for True Teamwork

Giving life is anything but a smooth journey. It is an intense, sometimes frightening experience, where the mother finds herself in total vulnerability. Claiming that the partner is just a powerless bystander reflects a profound misunderstanding of what unfolds in the intimacy of a maternity ward. The second parent is the trusted person, the one who massages, encourages between contractions, and helps channel anxiety.

Their presence allows for a strong team to face the unexpected. If a medical decision needs to be made urgently or if fear sets in, having one's partner by their side to share this emotional burden changes everything for the person giving birth. Childbirth is not just a medical act; it is a foundational family event that is experienced together.

Early Engagement Protects Against Future Mental Load

Beyond direct support during labor, the first hours of the newborn's life lay the foundations for future parenting. Scientific studies now agree on the benefits of early bonding with both parents, particularly through skin-to-skin contact, which has genuine biological virtues for the infant. It is also in the maternity ward that the first reflexes are acquired, such as changing a diaper, giving the first bath, or trying to decode cries.

Also read: Pregnancy and childbirth seen through fathers' eyes

When these caregiving actions are shared from the start, the couple moves forward at the same pace. If the father is excluded or keeps his distance from these learnings, the mother becomes the official baby expert by default upon returning home. This unconscious mechanism feeds a disproportionate mental load and establishes lasting inequalities within the household.

Opening the doors of obstetric blocks to fathers has required decades of social progress and a shift in mindsets. It would be detrimental to sweep these advances aside by relegating men to a supposed biological uselessness. Of course, every family configuration is unique, and not all births follow the same model. But when a parent expresses the deep desire to experience this foundational milestone, their choice deserves absolute respect.