Question: Can a man assist with childbirth?
Answer: No man other than the husband should assist with childbirth because this involves great unveiling of the body. If possible, seek the assistance of a Muslim midwife at home; otherwise, seek the services of a hospital where only Muslim nurses carry out this task. In hospitals, it is necessary to make enquiries about this before admitting your wife because this task is often carried out by male doctors, and even medical students take part in delivery tasks, especially in government hospitals. Remember, a Muslim woman has to observe veil with a non-Muslim woman just as she has to do with a non-Maḥram man.
Question: Most midwives in non-Islamic countries are unbelievers, therefore, it is difficult to avoid the assistance of non-Muslim women, please guide us in this matter and be rewarded by Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and thanked by people.
Answer: It is not permissible for a Muslim woman to expose her Satr to a non-Muslim woman. This must be avoided. As long as a qualified Muslim midwife is available one must refrain from using a non-Muslim midwife. However, in times of necessity when a Muslim midwife is unavailable, as mentioned in the above question, then in such severe necessity there is no harm in using a non-Muslim midwife.
Question: Should a brother-in-law meet his sister-in-law to congratulate her after she has given birth?
Answer: Looking at or congratulating the sister-in-law or any other non-Maḥram woman opens the door of major problems.