25 Honest And Raw Delivery Room Stories From Dads
Dads get real about the unexpected realities of being in the delivery room.
Independently testedUnbiased Demilked scoreFree to implementTools included
Giving birth seems like a daunting experience that requires sacrifice, bravery and a strong sense of endurance. It’s an overwhelming experience for the mother who has to go through the ravaging experience that will likely ruin her body and it would seem that the only option available to a father at such a time is to support the woman going through this monumental effort to rip forth life from her very loins.
According to a recent Reddit discussion, Dad’s got together to share what expectant dad’s can look forward to in the delivery room. Scroll below for some raw, emotional and honest observations and opinions which may help potential father’s to navigate the formidable experience of childbirth.
More info: Reddit | Reddit
Image source: anon, Jonathan Borba/Pexels
It was wild. It was a 46 hour labour, her mom came in crying about not being invited and had to be evicted, I got to hold my wife's hand while a doctor went watch deep in her, and I was there when this screaming bundle of life I'd co- created was birthed into this world. I got to cut the cord. I got to be there while she got stitches, I got to hold her hand and help her to the bathroom.
It's dirty. It's gross. Some wild s**t happens. I was absolutely glad to be there every step of the way and I'd recommend it to any expecting father.
Image source: TangoZulu, Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels
If you are a guy that claims that seeing the birth of your child will make it so you "will never see a v****a the same way again", you need to grow the f**k up because you're too immature to be having s*x or children.
Image source: BayouCitySaint, Hannah Barata/Pexels
Be there. Listen, support, do not try to fix anything. No one is there to take care of you, so bring your own stuff. Pillows blankets etc. Follow any order from the Dr. Even if it’s “grab a leg and hold it up”. Make zero sexual comments. None. No one wants to hear your s****y jokes right now.
Tidy yourself up for the pictures. You’ll be thankful later.
Image source: Few-Way6556, Marafaphotos/Pexels
My ex did a home birth twice, with a midwife present. I had the honor of being intimately involved in the process and I actually caught my daughters when they were born and I was the one to pass our children to their mother immediately after it happened.
It’s not pretty, but it is certainly intimate being that involved with the birth of your children. I’m so grateful to have been there for that event.
Even thinking about it now, 13 and 15 years later, it brings tears to my eyes.
Image source: adullploy, Hannah Barata/Pexels
Your woman is going to be 100% occupied with birth so be 100% occupied with your woman. No phone, video games, other b******t. You can endure those hours tending to her and being there for her and not having your needs or focus being upfront.
Image source: Hatred_shapped, pch.vector/Freepik
Take a good hard look at what your wife is going through. Whatever it is you need to go through with taking care of the baby is nothing (nothing) compared to what she did.
Image source: PepperoniPissa, Jonathan Borba/Pexels
Be prepared for things to go to s**t. Birth is very complex and difficult for humans. Don't expect the worst, but be prepared for it.
Image source: bretty666, DC Studio/Freepik
My wife has the highest pain tolerance/threshold of anyone i have ever known, giving birth to. 10.2lb baby without epidural (the dude was late!), she seriously thought she would die giving birth, it was the most most scariest time of my life, so i cant begin to imagine how scared she was and the pain she was going through.
my point being: you are just a witness to how incredible your wife is.
also, listen to the hospital staff, they do this everyday.
Image source: MyLandIsMyLand89, DC Studio/Freepik
My spouse had an emergency C section so I didn't get to see the actual normal birthing process.
What I did get was a wife who was scared to death so I held her hand and talked her through it in the OR. I had her blood and fluids spill out onto my $100 shoes and I got to see a very angry preemie who didn't look impressed at being born early.
I wouldn't change that memory for anything.
Image source: feelin_beachy
My wife wanted natural births, so our first two were at a birthing house with two midwives myself and MIL. The third kid was birthed at home by me (happened so fast midwife didn't make it until after the birth). It blows my mind how weak some guys are when it comes to birth, like wtf, your wife feels like she's fighting for her life to birth your child and you can't stomach being in the room to help? Get yourself together.... I helped coach my wife through all three births, (breathing exercises, making sure she is staying hydrated and snacking, getting her from the bed to the pool, or to the shower etc), and her and I have memories of each babies first cry's and skin to skin time together, we can look each other and remember each moment, good and bad, and those are memories we'll always have together.
Image source: Warm_Objective4162, wavebreakmedia_micro/Freepik
Be positive and be supportive. Make sure you know what the mother wants in the very likely event you need to speak on her behalf or make a critical decision.
Image source: gregwhale5, RDNE Stock project/Pexels
A lot of respect for woman who give birth. Holy s**t dude. It's not a fun experience but worth it for men. You will never look at your woman again the same.
Image source: Mycocrates, cookie_studio/Freepik
If you're a "humor is your defense mechanism" type like myself.
Shut the hell up. I almost cracked my wife up during the C-section because the anesthesiologist and I were having a conversation about raccoons.
Image source: Hulkslam3, Craig Adderley/Pexels
It’s the greatest thing ever. Tbh I don’t know what dad isn’t going into the birthing room. The best thing is you get to control who stays and who doesn’t (at least I did). I didn’t know my MIL was expecting to stay in the room and when she asked me if I needed her to I said no. She didn’t speak to me for 6 months, best gift ever!!!
Image source: JediActorMuppet, Connor McManus//Pexels
Pack a sandwich. This might sound callous but hear me out. You do not want to miss a second of what is going on. Labor can take hours. From the moment you start your journey to a moment you might have to yourself can be more than 24 hours. You walk away for even a moment and you might miss the whole thing. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your family. Trust me on this one.
Image source: goated95, Anna Shvets/Pexels
If your wife, gf, spouse is having a C-section. Prepare yourself for the beautiful horror show that is C section birth
I remember looking at one of the docs like *bro is that her spleen in your hand??*.
Image source: Metallic-Blue, Foden Nguyen/Pexels
Have conversations with your spouse about what she wants to do. Some people have it video taped, some just want support, and some may not want you there because some people don't like to be seen in immense pain. This conversation should be slow, honest, and taken very seriously.
For me, I was a firm believer that in general the day/delivery is about her. She's going through the medical procedure and it's her body that's going through all sorts of changes in a short time. But, it immediately turns into an "us" moment the instant we turn into a family and hear those beautiful cries.
For us, on all 3, (solo, and twins), I was there with my wife. C-sections. I stayed behind "the wall" so I could look into my wife's face and support her. I trusted the medical staff to take care and show us the kids once delivered, but should anything go wrong, I wanted to be there for my spouse, and she agreed. No pictures in the room, it was for us and the kids. Pictures/video were before and after the procedure.
For the record, babies do not come out pink and beautiful. Go to the checkups and have the conversation with the Doc about what to expect.
Hold your partner's hand. Share the love and support for each other and see it in each other's eyes.
And have plenty of coffee at home.
Image source: anon, Jonathan Borba/Pexels
Be ready for p**s, s**t, the water from the womb is hot and you will breath the steam from that, it has moments of high action on top of lots of waiting.
Most important, you’re partner will be very scared (and rightfully so) be brave for her. Don’t tell her not to be scared, or tell her anything, just be brave and calm *for* her
Oh! I also went to a rural hospital and the doctor had me help with simple s**t which honestly was super cool so if you have a doctor that brings it up, I say take that opportunity.
Image source: OrangeYouGladish, wavebreakmedia_micro/Freepik
You're there for her. It is not about you at this point.
You are there for her support. She may yell, she may swear, she may want to be held, she may not want to be touched. Doesn't matter. You are there for her.
I've got three kids, I was there for all of them, even holding a leg when needed. It is gross, it is amazing. It is wonderful.
Be there for her. Support her and then your child.
But be there for her.
Image source: wisstinks4, DC Studio/Freepik
Be mentally prepared to be amazed by the human body. She is giving up her beautiful body to carry on your legacy. Tell her how much you love her over and over.
Dont look at the cookie if you cant stomach the blood and liquids, afterbirth, mess. Former coworker thought he could handle it, looked down there, got dizzy, fell backwards, hit his head on the floor, had a grand mal seizure and was in the hospital a month longer than his wife, who had just given birth to their son. Wife was not happy.
Lastly, be ready to fall in love with a new little person that you helped create. That experience alone is extremely special. Make eye contact, make physical contact, make vocal contact. It’s a life changing experience. Enjoy life creation.
Image source: anon, Saúl Sigüenza/Pexels
A lot of waiting. Wear comfy clothes. Bring plenty of snacks/water. Bring a book or iPad. Buy the long (10ft) phone chargers. The bed/recliner is really uncomfortable so bring a pillow/blanket if you think you'll need it.
Be prepared to help mom as best and as often as you can. Get her water. Wipe her brow/face if she needs it. Hold her hand. Hold a leg when she goes to push.
#1
Image source: anon, Jonathan Borba/Pexels
It was wild. It was a 46 hour labour, her mom came in crying about not being invited and had to be evicted, I got to hold my wife's hand while a doctor went watch deep in her, and I was there when this screaming bundle of life I'd co- created was birthed into this world. I got to cut the cord. I got to be there while she got stitches, I got to hold her hand and help her to the bathroom.
It's dirty. It's gross. Some wild s**t happens. I was absolutely glad to be there every step of the way and I'd recommend it to any expecting father.
#2
Image source: TangoZulu, Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels
If you are a guy that claims that seeing the birth of your child will make it so you "will never see a v****a the same way again", you need to grow the f**k up because you're too immature to be having s*x or children.
#3
Image source: BayouCitySaint, Hannah Barata/Pexels
Be there. Listen, support, do not try to fix anything. No one is there to take care of you, so bring your own stuff. Pillows blankets etc. Follow any order from the Dr. Even if it’s “grab a leg and hold it up”. Make zero sexual comments. None. No one wants to hear your s****y jokes right now.
Tidy yourself up for the pictures. You’ll be thankful later.
#4
Image source: Few-Way6556, Marafaphotos/Pexels
My ex did a home birth twice, with a midwife present. I had the honor of being intimately involved in the process and I actually caught my daughters when they were born and I was the one to pass our children to their mother immediately after it happened.
It’s not pretty, but it is certainly intimate being that involved with the birth of your children. I’m so grateful to have been there for that event.
Even thinking about it now, 13 and 15 years later, it brings tears to my eyes.
#5
Image source: adullploy, Hannah Barata/Pexels
Your woman is going to be 100% occupied with birth so be 100% occupied with your woman. No phone, video games, other b******t. You can endure those hours tending to her and being there for her and not having your needs or focus being upfront.
#6
Image source: Hatred_shapped, pch.vector/Freepik
Take a good hard look at what your wife is going through. Whatever it is you need to go through with taking care of the baby is nothing (nothing) compared to what she did.
#7
Image source: PepperoniPissa, Jonathan Borba/Pexels
Be prepared for things to go to s**t. Birth is very complex and difficult for humans. Don't expect the worst, but be prepared for it.
#8
Image source: bretty666, DC Studio/Freepik
My wife has the highest pain tolerance/threshold of anyone i have ever known, giving birth to. 10.2lb baby without epidural (the dude was late!), she seriously thought she would die giving birth, it was the most most scariest time of my life, so i cant begin to imagine how scared she was and the pain she was going through.
my point being: you are just a witness to how incredible your wife is.
also, listen to the hospital staff, they do this everyday.
#9
Image source: MyLandIsMyLand89, DC Studio/Freepik
My spouse had an emergency C section so I didn't get to see the actual normal birthing process.
What I did get was a wife who was scared to death so I held her hand and talked her through it in the OR. I had her blood and fluids spill out onto my $100 shoes and I got to see a very angry preemie who didn't look impressed at being born early.
I wouldn't change that memory for anything.
#10
Image source: feelin_beachy
My wife wanted natural births, so our first two were at a birthing house with two midwives myself and MIL. The third kid was birthed at home by me (happened so fast midwife didn't make it until after the birth). It blows my mind how weak some guys are when it comes to birth, like wtf, your wife feels like she's fighting for her life to birth your child and you can't stomach being in the room to help? Get yourself together.... I helped coach my wife through all three births, (breathing exercises, making sure she is staying hydrated and snacking, getting her from the bed to the pool, or to the shower etc), and her and I have memories of each babies first cry's and skin to skin time together, we can look each other and remember each moment, good and bad, and those are memories we'll always have together.
#11
Image source: Warm_Objective4162, wavebreakmedia_micro/Freepik
Be positive and be supportive. Make sure you know what the mother wants in the very likely event you need to speak on her behalf or make a critical decision.
#12
My partner got induced that we had scheduled out about a month in advance. We did not tell our families which in retrospect was the best selfish decision we have made. I got home from work, we loaded the car and then went and had one last dinner together. It took about 30 hours from when we got to the hospital until things really started moving. As odd as it sounds we were able to spend a lot of intimate time together that alot of people don’t get. Delivery was the most amazing thing I’ve ever witnessed and the feeling seeing my daughter open her eyes for the first time is unexplainable. It was the most insane rush of love, excitement and fear. We got to spend the next several hours with just us and our daughter before we told our families and they came. I recommend for everyone to at least talk about the idea of not having family at the hospital. It’s extremely selfish, but especially if it is your first child these are moments you will never get back and being able to enjoy it with just the two of us was very special. We spent the night with just the two of us and our newborn, no talking to people, sharing her, just us. Highly recommended. Image source: duncity_50#13
Image source: gregwhale5, RDNE Stock project/Pexels
A lot of respect for woman who give birth. Holy s**t dude. It's not a fun experience but worth it for men. You will never look at your woman again the same.
#14
Image source: Mycocrates, cookie_studio/Freepik
If you're a "humor is your defense mechanism" type like myself.
Shut the hell up. I almost cracked my wife up during the C-section because the anesthesiologist and I were having a conversation about raccoons.
#15
Image source: Hulkslam3, Craig Adderley/Pexels
It’s the greatest thing ever. Tbh I don’t know what dad isn’t going into the birthing room. The best thing is you get to control who stays and who doesn’t (at least I did). I didn’t know my MIL was expecting to stay in the room and when she asked me if I needed her to I said no. She didn’t speak to me for 6 months, best gift ever!!!
#16
I was pretty old when my son was born and I was a combat medic in the army for a while before that. Basically, I knew it was going to be gross and I also knew it wasn't as gross as comedians make it sound. But at the end I didn't really see anything. I sat next to my wife, held her hand, encouraged her and just was there for her. The doctor and nurses did a pretty good job keeping things covered up and I didn't demand to watch. When my son came they asked if I wanted to cut the cord so I did. Then I went with the nurse who took my baby boy to be cleaned and whatnot and I just stood next to that table-lamp thing he was placed on while they did their thing to him before taking him to my wife. It really wasn't as big a deal as I thought. I think the biggest dilemma I faced was when the nurse took my son to another room and asked if I wanted to go with her or stay with my wife. I opted to stay with my wife. I sort of figured "I 'known her a lot longer so I guess this makes the most sense". Image source: PunchBeard#17
Image source: JediActorMuppet, Connor McManus//Pexels
Pack a sandwich. This might sound callous but hear me out. You do not want to miss a second of what is going on. Labor can take hours. From the moment you start your journey to a moment you might have to yourself can be more than 24 hours. You walk away for even a moment and you might miss the whole thing. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your family. Trust me on this one.
#18
Image source: goated95, Anna Shvets/Pexels
If your wife, gf, spouse is having a C-section. Prepare yourself for the beautiful horror show that is C section birth
I remember looking at one of the docs like *bro is that her spleen in your hand??*.
#19
Image source: Metallic-Blue, Foden Nguyen/Pexels
Have conversations with your spouse about what she wants to do. Some people have it video taped, some just want support, and some may not want you there because some people don't like to be seen in immense pain. This conversation should be slow, honest, and taken very seriously.
For me, I was a firm believer that in general the day/delivery is about her. She's going through the medical procedure and it's her body that's going through all sorts of changes in a short time. But, it immediately turns into an "us" moment the instant we turn into a family and hear those beautiful cries.
For us, on all 3, (solo, and twins), I was there with my wife. C-sections. I stayed behind "the wall" so I could look into my wife's face and support her. I trusted the medical staff to take care and show us the kids once delivered, but should anything go wrong, I wanted to be there for my spouse, and she agreed. No pictures in the room, it was for us and the kids. Pictures/video were before and after the procedure.
For the record, babies do not come out pink and beautiful. Go to the checkups and have the conversation with the Doc about what to expect.
Hold your partner's hand. Share the love and support for each other and see it in each other's eyes.
And have plenty of coffee at home.
#20
Image source: anon, Jonathan Borba/Pexels
Be ready for p**s, s**t, the water from the womb is hot and you will breath the steam from that, it has moments of high action on top of lots of waiting.
Most important, you’re partner will be very scared (and rightfully so) be brave for her. Don’t tell her not to be scared, or tell her anything, just be brave and calm *for* her
Oh! I also went to a rural hospital and the doctor had me help with simple s**t which honestly was super cool so if you have a doctor that brings it up, I say take that opportunity.
#21
Image source: OrangeYouGladish, wavebreakmedia_micro/Freepik
You're there for her. It is not about you at this point.
You are there for her support. She may yell, she may swear, she may want to be held, she may not want to be touched. Doesn't matter. You are there for her.
I've got three kids, I was there for all of them, even holding a leg when needed. It is gross, it is amazing. It is wonderful.
Be there for her. Support her and then your child.
But be there for her.
#22
Image source: wisstinks4, DC Studio/Freepik
Be mentally prepared to be amazed by the human body. She is giving up her beautiful body to carry on your legacy. Tell her how much you love her over and over.
Dont look at the cookie if you cant stomach the blood and liquids, afterbirth, mess. Former coworker thought he could handle it, looked down there, got dizzy, fell backwards, hit his head on the floor, had a grand mal seizure and was in the hospital a month longer than his wife, who had just given birth to their son. Wife was not happy.
Lastly, be ready to fall in love with a new little person that you helped create. That experience alone is extremely special. Make eye contact, make physical contact, make vocal contact. It’s a life changing experience. Enjoy life creation.
#23
Image source: anon, Saúl Sigüenza/Pexels
A lot of waiting. Wear comfy clothes. Bring plenty of snacks/water. Bring a book or iPad. Buy the long (10ft) phone chargers. The bed/recliner is really uncomfortable so bring a pillow/blanket if you think you'll need it.
Be prepared to help mom as best and as often as you can. Get her water. Wipe her brow/face if she needs it. Hold her hand. Hold a leg when she goes to push.
#24
There is a lot of yelling and cussing. Mom gets a pass to say whatever she wants and that's ok. Mom loses her sense of humor. That's also ok. She won't be able to drink water. You are there to support her no matter what she says or does. It's painful and not fun. Stay up near her head. Let her squeeze your hand till your fingers fall off. When you see your kid for the first time. Your brain will get chopped in half. Everything will change in an instant. You are now a DAD. Your life as it has been is over. Welcome to your new life. Image source: typower5000#25
Super crazy s**t and mine was only 12 hours. Only thing to say, do not deny a pregnant woman that wants you there, no matter the situation. It’s beyond comprehension what the ladies go through to make people. Other thing, write it all down within 48 hours. Everything you can remember. Otherwise it just disappears in the sleep deprivation insanity. Image source: eddyofyorkDE
Written by
Demilked Editorial
SaaS Review Specialist · Demilked
With 5+ years in the creator, entertainment, and publishing spaces, Demilked shortlists, reviews, and ranks leading tools that actually make your life easier.