Attachment theory stresses the importance of the father’s presence at birth in order to support the mother, but also to establish a more intense bond with the infant. The father’s involvement in the birth process has been encouraged without taking into account gender-related issues specific to masculine psychology. This paper offers new perspectives on the male experience of becoming a father. It is based on a study of ten fathers during the pregnancies of their wives (between the 4th and 8th month). Six were already fathers and had been present at previous births. These men were subjected to a semi-guided 45-minute interview and two projective tests (Rorschach and the Thematic Apperception Test, or TAT).The results revealed psychological conflicts that prevent some men from adhering to the model of participative fatherhood endorsed by today’s culture. In conclusion, some men have not reached the psychological maturity required to witness birth and are traumatized by the experience, which challenges their virile identity.