I've not read this whole thread but I know I wanted my husband in the delivery room with me in case our baby was in need of emergency Baptism and also to advocate for me. I don't give birth in hospitals anymore, but when I did I recall that you are never guaranteed a doctor you like or even know. It could very likely be a heathen third worlder or, worse, an abortionist. I enjoy having him there to pray the rosary and give me words of encouragement. I know it's not what was traditionally done, but we aren't living in the days of "good supportive female family members"....if I invited mine I'd be in the company of faithless drug addicts.