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As the world enters a new age of technological advancement, even the most intimate parts of human life, like childbirth and parenting, are now being touched by innovation. One ambitious move in this area is being led by Elon Musk, who aims to introduce robotic assistance into the birthing process, raising discussions across the globe. This development sparks significant questions: Could robots be part of the beginning of life? And if so, how will this affect the bond between parent and child, especially in a culture as family oriented as Malaysia’s? Malaysian parents’ responses reveal a spectrum of views, ranging from cautious optimism to deep seated reservations. The responses reflect both a curiosity about potential medical benefits and a concern over losing essential human connections. To explore these perspectives, we spoke with Malaysian parents, inviting them to share their thoughts on robotic involvement in childbirth and early parenting. The Emotional Connection: Can Robots Ever Replace It? The unanimous view among parents is that no matter how advanced technology becomes, it will never fully replace the emotional experience of parenting. Wein, 36, mummy to a 16-month-old boy expresses, “The bond between parents, especially the mother and child is irreplaceable.” She further explained that factors like emotional and hormonal changes naturally affect the growth and wellbeing of the baby. A newborn’s need for human touch and connection, such as the comfort of a hug, is something a robot could never replicate. Many believe that while robots could offer limited support in roles like monitoring the baby’s cries or providing educational activities, they can never replace a parent’s unique role. Wein concluded, “Robots can only offer assistance as a babysitter, a playmate, but not as a source of genuine comfort or bonding.” Childbirth Assistance: Could Robots Safely Complement Parental Roles? Malaysian parents have expressed cautious optimism regarding the potential for robots to improve maternal and foetal health outcomes. “The involvement of robots in childbirth could reduce the risk of miscarriage if they can detect health complications,” Wein observed. The idea is that robotic monitoring might be a valuable tool in ensuring both mother and baby’s wellbeing throughout the pregnancy journey. Yet, as advanced as the world is, parents still see limitations. “Physical connection and human touch from the mother are necessary to form a bond with the baby, even during pregnancy,” further explained Wein. This perspective highlights a common belief: while robots might support the medical aspect, the emotional essence of parenthood can only come from a human presence. Balancing Safety and Intimacy in Technology Adoption Despite these potential benefits, concerns about safety linger. Parents acknowledge that robotic devices are rigorously tested and regulated, particularly in fields like orthopedics. However, the integration of robots into childbirth and parenting will need more than just functional reliability; it must also respect the human experience. Jeevitha, 34, mummy to a 5-month-old baby girl commented, “I believe the use of robotics will not be completely automated. Human doctors will likely still control the devices.” This sentiment reflects a desire for reassurance that technology won’t operate in isolation from human supervision, especially in such personal situations. Family Dynamics and Changing Roles: How Robots Might Redefine Parenting Some parents view robotic assistance as an opportunity to shift traditional roles without significantly altering family dynamics. As a parent Jeevitha further shared, “Robotic assistance might affect family dynamics no more than human surrogacy does.” She acknowledged the availability of choices where women who are physically able can still choose to carry children, while those who can’t might find an alternative in robotic support. This view frames robotic childbirth as a new, potentially empowering option rather than a replacement for traditional roles. By delegating certain tasks to robots, fathers might also become more involved in parenting, thereby fostering gender equality within the household. However, Ghaya, 32, mummy to a 4-month-old little girl expressed concern about the role robots could play in weakening family support systems, as they might replace the role extended families often play in caregiving. “If robots takeover childcare, families could become more isolated,” she added. A Personal Choice: Would Malaysian Parents Use Robotic Assistance? The decision to use robotic assistance for childbirth or parenting seems deeply personal for many Malaysian parents. Mei Yee, 33, a proud mummy to a little boy had her own story to share. As someone who experienced a high-risk pregnancy, Mei Yee expressed that she might consider it. “I had placenta previa during my pregnancy. It was traumatic, and knowing that robotic assistance could help save lives made me think positively.” However, Mei Yee quickly added that robots could not replace the comfort of human presence during labour. Helisa, a mummy to two little girls was more adamant: “I wouldn’t consider using a robot in either scenario. Robots lack human warmth.” The thought of receiving encouragement from an automated machine felt unnerving to her, describing it as “cold and impersonal.” Although the potential health benefits were acknowledged, the overall sentiment was clear: robotic assistance must supplement rather than replace human support in parenting. Striking a Balance: Embracing Technology Without Sacrificing Bonding Malaysian parents advocate for a balanced approach to technology in parenting. Helisa, a hands-on mum of two, shared her perspective, saying, “It’s essential to strike a balance.” She emphasised that while technology can be a powerful tool, its early introduction should be managed with care. This balanced view reflects a common sentiment among parents: embracing technology wisely allows them to leverage its benefits without missing valuable opportunities to spend quality time with their children. Cultural Perspectives: How Malaysian Society Might Respond In Malaysia, family and parenting are deeply rooted in cultural values, with extended family and community support playing a crucial role. The idea of introducing robots into childbirth and parenting may therefore stir mixed reactions. Ghaya pointed out, “Some might feel robots are too impersonal and could disrupt traditional family values like gotong-royong (community support).” She further noted that acceptance may vary based on lifestyle, with urban families potentially adopting robotic childcare to keep up with busy schedules, while rural families may lean toward traditional approaches. Additionally, Ghaya acknowledged that religious perspectives, particularly within the Malaysian Muslim community, could raise questions about whether robots align with natural parenting values and the importance of emotional bonding. A Glimpse into the Future: The Balance Between Convenience and Connection As robotic technology advances, Malaysian families may find their lives reshaped in various ways. Robots could offer convenience by taking on practical tasks such as feeding or monitoring children, freeing parents’ time but potentially weakening the emotional connections. With robots taking over certain responsibilities, future parents may need to learn new skills to balance technology with human care. In this rapidly evolving landscape, robots offer promise and pose challenges. As we have seen, for Malaysian parents, finding harmony between technological assistance and personal bonding is paramount. By embracing a mindful approach, they hope to benefit from the advancements of the future without sacrificing the deeply rooted connections that form the heart of family life. So mummies, what say you? Would you embrace robotic assistance in childbirth and early parenting, or do you believe the human touch is irreplaceable in these experiences? Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner. 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Transforming the Beginning of Life: Malaysian Parents’ Views on Robotic Birth and Parenting