In our many years as a nanny, myriad young couple ask about the father's role during the birth of his child. They are under the deluded opinion that both mother and father should participate in this process, as if it is some sort of bonding experience as a couple and new parents.

Frankly, this opinion is entirely pish-posh. Wizards are notoriously fragile of constitution and simply do not have the mental and physical fortitude necessary to provide adequate support in the birthing chamber. Far better for the mother to rely on herself, her trusted midwife, and perhaps her mother or suitable house elf; the father can remain outside the room and congratulate himself on supporting the birth from afar.

Once the necessary is accomplished, he may be invited back into the room, never to know the trauma he avoided. Imagine the difficulty of having to attend to his needs even as the new baby is being born. The father is very likely to be completely scarred for life, and he may never develop a proper relationship with his child after having such dramatics thrust upon his delicate nature.

If the father insists on being present, do give him something practical to do so that his mind may not wander to the situation at hand. Commonly, I have heard of midwives who advise husbands to do unimportant tasks such as boiling of water and collecting of towels, all in the name of keeping the Wizard away from the birthing chamber. Once again, selection of a trained midwife can have far-reaching repercussions.