Should the partner be present during childbirth?

[-Dragmire-]

I kinda have to be there, so why shouldn't he suffer with me?

Boyfriend does want to be there, but if and when that happens he'll be by my head thank you very much.
Though I do often joke that he better damn well cry if I pop out a kid for him (boyfriend does not cry. Sad films- nothing, pictures of sad animals- nothing, suffering- nothing, funerals- nothing).

Besides, it'd be pretty boring otherwise, it can take a looong time. Don't really wanna go through that on my own.

From the explanation my parents gave me I'd say you'll have your boyfriends hand in such a strong vice grip he won't have much choice in the crying matter.

 

[Lieju]

I suppose if I'd want my partner to be present if I gave birth(unless she was very afraid of blood and all that stuff), and if she was the one having the baby, I'd want to be there too.
(I'm lesbian, so it could be either me or my partner having the baby)