Poland sees mothers abandoning children and fathers confronting childbirth fears

Maggy Modlibowska, a conceptual artist from Sandomierz, left her two daughters and son in the care of her husband and moved away, saying she felt it was the only solution despite anticipating social ostracism. She reflected on her upbringing, education in sociology and psychology at the Catholic University of Lublin, and a later career in banking and finance.

In a separate narrative, Polish men discuss their experiences and attitudes toward childbirth. Daniel, an IT specialist from Wrocław, described his desire to be present at his son’s birth despite fearing a chaotic scene, while Konrad, an entrepreneur from the Sądecz region, recounted supporting his partner Weronika through a rural delivery, using natural methods and coping with harsh winter conditions. Both men highlighted personal motivations and societal expectations surrounding masculinity and parenthood.