When my sister asked if I could be in the delivery room with her during childbirth, I was surprised. She explained that she and her husband were going through some issues, and she wasn’t sure he could handle the stress. She also didn’t want to add more burden to our mother.
My sister felt safest with me, recalling how protected she felt growing up. She believed having me there would ensure a stress-free experience. I agreed but knew I needed to discuss it with my wife first.
My wife was shocked by the request, viewing it as unusual for a brother to be in the delivery room. I explained that it wasn’t about appropriateness but about providing support during a potentially frightening time.
I stressed the importance of a smooth, complication-free delivery in a calm environment. After more discussion, I got frustrated and told my wife she couldn’t stop me from supporting my family.
People commented on the situation. One said, “NTA, holding your sister’s hand during such a painful and terrifying experience is what a good brother does. Your wife should appreciate having a husband who cares for his family so much.”
Others simply agreed, with comments like “Yep!” and “That was 100% my thought on it!” Another comment noted, “OP’s wife needs to understand that the stability and calm she values in her husband are exactly why his sister wants him there. It’s about providing a ‘calm in a storm’ presence in a scary situation, nothing unhealthy about that.”
