If you are able to witness your child's birth, and elect not to, man - all I can say is you will have robbed yourself of one of the most amazing moment's any human can have. Man up and be there - you will always be glad you were there.
I cannot possibly agree with this more.
When my eldest daughter was born, I touched her tiny hand with my pinky as the nurse was carrying her to the warming table. She wrapped her hand around my finger...it was the first thing she ever did in this world. And though I know it was a reflex, it was one of the most touching moments of my life. Had I missed that, well, I wouldn't have known, but now, I can't imagine depriving myself of that.
When my youngest was born, my mom physically delivered her. Mom is a labor and delivery nurse here in Cumberland, and was with us for both deliveries. We had a very young nurse there for Leah's delivery, and Mom saw something on the monitor and said, "You need to go get the doctor. Now." The nurse hesitated, then left.
My daughter was crowning as the doctor came in. He knew who Mom was and what she did, so as she went to step away he said, "No. You go right ahead." Mom's expert hands caught her own grandchild, and we all sobbed like you wouldn't believe. Though she says my brother and I being born take the cake, I truly believe that was the single greatest moment of her life.
So yeah, El. While I respect where you're coming from, truly, seriously consider being there. The feelings you experience watching your child come into this world are indescribable. The Redskins could win every Super Bowl for the rest of my life, and all of them combined wouldn't compare.
Anyway, love you BGO. I hope you all have a wonderful day. And may God bless you now and always. Peace.