We've discussed this elsewhere, but could I just note that the journos involved have really misreported this story.
The story is about the benefits of Doulas - undisputed - they're good news, for mother and father alike.
BUT - they've written it up as a 'get rid of the dad' story - in the indie, the journo claims that no on has bothered to find out whether having dads in the labour room benefit women.
The answer is yes - having your partner in the delivery room is likely to mean less intervention, less pain experienced and a more positive birth experience than if he is not there.
These stupid journalists have written it up as if there's a choice - either the dad or a doula. It's crap - you can have both, and you'd benefit from either/both. Doulas are very keen themselves to get fathers involved in supporting mums, and they put fathers at ease.
We're very irritated by this journalism, and the Independent will be printing a response letter from us by Thursday. We're also trying to get Women's Hour to set up a debate.
But please don't take the headlines seriously - kicking dads out of the delivery room will NOT decrease your chances of a caesarean, it will INCREASE it. The best scenario is to have your partner and a doula.
I've said enough now.