Couvade: Men Who Give Birth A baby is God’s opinion that the world should go on. Carl Sandburg Remembrance Rock, 1948 – Overview and Debriefing Time has a way of showing us patterns in people’s behaviors. Throughout history there has always been an uneasiness, if not outright envy, by men for a woman’s ability to give birth. Even today we see this ill-at-ease sentiment in expressions such as, "he has given birth to a new idea" or career; or, "he is in a fertile stage of life" as a scholar or artist. In our own society and in literature, attention has traditionally been given to the relationship between a pregnant mother and her developing fetus. This has changed over the last two decades, with more male participation brought on by such innovations as the Lamaze method, a natural or prepared childbirth process that originated in France. Though de- signed for use with French midwives, its introduction in the U.S. encouraged partner in- volvement, as midwives were uncommon here. The last generation has seen such major at- tention given to childbirth by men that the term "engrossment" is often used to note this involvement. Engrossment refers to a partner’s absorption, preoccupation, and interest in the infant. 13 Even with this new development of paternal participation, it still pales when compared to a father’s involvement in some other cultures. In the formal practice of couvade– deriving from the French term couver, to hatch or brood– the expectant father takes to his bed and observes strict taboos and customs shortly before birth. Among the New Guinea Arapesh peoples, childbirth is a very serious time for the father. The ritual couvade is helpful in distracting negative forces and evil spirits." Near the critical time of childbirth, a Hopi man must not kill animals lest his child be born deformed. The Ifage peoples in the Phil- ippines require the man not to cut or kill anything during his wife’s pregnancy." Even among groups that do not follow ritual couvade, it is not uncommon to find men experi- encing pregnancy symptoms such as fatigue, stomach cramps, nausea, dizziness, or back- ache. One study which researched these symptoms among various cultures, noted that they tended to result from a man’s emotional ambivalence toward his wife: a cross among empathy, anger, and jealousy—empathy for the struggle his wife must endure, anger for the loss of sexual intimacy, and jealousy and envy for his wife’s ability to carry and give birth to a child." The response of ritual couvade varies from subtle to extreme. The Chaor- ti of South America take to their hammocks during labor and delivery, while the Huichol of Mexico practice a ritual of couvade where the man squats in the rafters above his wife during labor. When the woman experiences a contraction she pulls ropes attached to his scrotum, thus allowing him to share in the pain of childbirth." Our own society is not without ritual couvade either. In a study involving 267 postpartum women in Rochester, New York, 22% of their partners sought medical treatment for what researchers consid ered couvade syndrome symptoms; these included fatigue, groin pain, cramps, and bloat- ed feelings not associated with any known medical problem." Another study found such couvade-like symptoms among 11-65% of expectant fathers."9 Consider: (1) What are your thoughts about culture and ritual couvade, and a partner’s role in birth? (2) How are gender roles regarding child-rearing changing in American society? (3) What other culture-bound customs regarding childbirth do you know of?
Throughout history, the ability to give birth has been a unique aspect of womanhood that has intrigued and sometimes even caused envy in men. However, in recent times, there has been a significant shift in cultural attitudes towards childbirth and parenting roles. This essay delves into the practice of ritual couvade, its significance in different cultures, and how partner involvement in childbirth is evolving in American society.
Ritual couvade, derived from the French term “couvade,” is a fascinating cultural practice in which the expectant father observes strict taboos and customs before birth. This custom is prevalent among various cultures worldwide and varies from subtle to extreme. For example, among the New Guinea Arapesh people, the father performs a ritual couvade to distract negative forces and evil spirits during childbirth. Similarly, the Ifage peoples in the Philippines require the man not to cut or kill anything during his wife’s pregnancy.
In some cultures, men experience pregnancy symptoms, such as fatigue, stomach cramps, nausea, and backache. These symptoms are believed to result from the man’s emotional ambivalence towards his wife’s pregnancy, encompassing empathy, anger, and jealousy.
In Western societies, partner involvement in childbirth has evolved significantly over the last few decades. Innovations like the Lamaze method have encouraged male participation in the birthing process. Engrossment, referring to the partner’s absorption, preoccupation, and interest in the infant, has become more common.
In American society, there is a growing recognition of the importance of a partner’s presence and active involvement during childbirth. Fathers are increasingly taking on roles beyond mere support, embracing a more hands-on approach in parenting. This shift is attributed to changing gender roles, where fathers are embracing a nurturing and caring role traditionally associated with mothers.
In addition to ritual couvade, various culture-bound customs regarding childbirth exist globally. For instance, in some Asian cultures, the concept of “sitting the month” requires new mothers to rest and adhere to specific dietary and lifestyle practices for a month after childbirth. In African cultures, communal support is vital, with extended family members actively involved in the postpartum period to assist the new mother.
The practice of ritual couvade offers fascinating insights into partner involvement in childbirth and gender roles within different cultures. American society has witnessed significant changes in attitudes towards childbirth, with fathers actively participating and sharing in the birthing experience. As cultural norms continue to evolve, it is essential to embrace diverse customs and practices surrounding childbirth while promoting active partner involvement and support during this transformative period in a family’s life.
How do you view the concept of ritual couvade and the varying cultural practices related to childbirth? Do you see any potential benefits or drawbacks in embracing such customs?
In your opinion, what are the most significant factors contributing to the changing gender roles in American society, particularly concerning parenting and child-rearing?
Are there any other culture-bound customs regarding childbirth that you are familiar with? How do you perceive the impact of these customs on the overall childbirth experience for women and their partners?
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