People have expressed outrage on social media after digital creator Elijah Schaffer claimed that men watching their partners give birth does “more harm than good.” Schaffer, who hosts the podcast “Slightly Offensive With Elijah Schaffer,” is known for his candid opinions on controversial subjects.
On October 10, Schaffer shared his views on childbirth on Twitter, anticipating that his opinion might be unpopular. He tweeted, “I don’t think men should watch the baby being born from their wife. It can ruin s*x lives and negatively affect the dynamics of attraction between spouses. I’ve seen more harm than good come from this. We need stricter gender divides. Stop doing this.” He also remarked, “The hospital has a ‘cuck chair’ in the corner for a reason.”
Reactions came in quickly. One user commented, “Huh? Witnessing your child’s birth is not traumatizing; it’s amazing. I’ve been there for the birth of three kids, and it only deepened my love for my wife, who went through so much to bring our children into the world.”
Another user added, “I watched all three of my kids being born, and I still find my wife attractive.” A third stated, “I disagree; that moment distinguishes boys from men. Watching it increased my respect for my wife due to the pain and effort she endured, and seeing my child’s eyes for the first time was priceless.”
A fourth user questioned, “What the f**k is wrong with you?”
Medical research also supports the benefits of a father’s presence during childbirth. An article titled “Fathers attending the birth of their baby: Views, intentions and needs,” published in Anzjog, discusses the positive effects of paternal involvement. Having a father present can lead to “positive outcomes” for the mother, including shorter labor, reduced emotional distress, and less reliance on pain medication. It also fosters stronger bonding between father and infant, enhances the childbirth experience, and facilitates the transition to fatherhood.
While the article acknowledges that a father’s presence may not always be necessary or desired, it does not imply that witnessing childbirth diminishes a father’s attraction to his partner.