Birth affects both male, female counterparts alike

Males assume the behaviors of their pregnant partners.

Dr. Richard Reed, from the sociology and anthropology department of Trinity University offered some insight on fathers and their reaction to the birthing process March 4 in the Visual Arts Center.

Reed did much of his case study in Paraguay with the Guarani tribe.

The Guarani tribe is notorious for the female food taboos many males practice when their wives or lovers are in labor.

Reed also explained that for "a woman in the Guarani tribe to have several different lovers is common" and that up to 10 to 12 males in the tribe would follow through on the taboos of the pregnant female.

The food taboo consisted of males not partaking in any engagement that a pregnant female would not be able to partake in, such as the eating of venison, which is a very powerful red meat because of its texture and leanness.

Reed also explained that within the Guarani tribe, the main belief is that "the mother is responsible for the baby's body while the father is responsible for the soul."