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“It Was Enraging And Sad”: Nurses Expose The Worst Dads They’ve Seen In A Delivery Room
Until recently, pregnancy and childbirth had to a large extent been viewed as the domain of women while men remained at the periphery. Men were mainly responsible for covering the medical bills and other material needs as well as naming the newborn. But things have been changing. For example, in the United Kingdom, men have been actively included in maternal and child health programs since the 1970s, and in Sweden and Norway, men's participation in maternal and child health has for a long time been emphasized in legislation.
However, being present and being involved are two different things.
"I have had multiple dads who literally will just game on their PS5 they brought with them when their wife [or] GF is crying in pain from labor," Reddit user and labor and delivery nurse u/nursingboi wrote. "One guy was telling his wife to not get an epidural because 'she doesn't need one', [and he] wasn't even sitting by her or comforting her, he was literally on his phone across the room."
"Also had a dad who just napped while his wife lost 2 liters of blood and had to be rushed to the OR for a potential D&C. And when we got back, his first question was, 'Can I get another blanket?'"
After sharing these experiences, u/nursingboi invited other frustrated health professionals to do the same and sadly, as their discussion shows, there's plenty of similar stories.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I just get mad. Like, occasionally incandescent with anger. And it's not just during delivery. Since COVID, the amount of male partners who whine and complain about having to wear a mask during the prenatal appointments and during delivery just makes my head want to explode. Their partner is growing their child in their body, their organs are slowly being compressed, THEY ARE RISKING THEIR LIVES TO PRODUCE YOUR SPAWN, AND YOU CAN'T EVEN WEAR A TINY SQUARE OF PAPER ON YOUR FACE FOR 15-30 MINUTES BECAUSE IT'S NOT COMFORTABLE?????????
It's stuff like that and other things mentioned that makes me wish that the Huichol tradition of having the birthing person pull on a rope tied to their partner's s*****m during birth was a contemporary and common practice. If nothing else it would at least make sure they were physically present for the birth.
Lakota Wolf 1 year ago
PSA: For those wondering, the censored word is “scròtum”. Remember, kids, proper anatomical terms are DIRTY WORDS!!! /s
the_harbinger_of_dooms/t/h 1 year ago
thanks i couldnt figure out what it said lol
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Nicole Weymann 1 year ago
It would ensure they either are fully focused on the job at hand (difficult to beat that kind of attention evoking tactics) or not be available at all 😂 - honestly: not sure if I'd blame them for chosing to not getting their nuts ripped off. The ones who stay are really invested, really masochistic or have bigger fears (my imagination is running wild with that option)
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LinkTheHylian 1 year ago
"Sir, please put on a mask. Your child's immune system is brand new and your germs could make her sick very easily." "I ain't wearing no goddamn mask! God and President Trump made me an American, and that means I'm free to breathe all the air I want!" "Security, get this man out of my hospital before I b***h-slap him back to the Dark Ages."
Sarcastic Jock 1 year ago
Even before COVID I had to wear a mask at both my kid's births. Saying that, both C-sections and the first time she spewed on me and my newborn. Such a magical time :)
honey_milktea 1 year ago
just reading this pisses me off. Like wtf, u cant where a mask to protect the life of your partner while they are going through more pain than you may ever have to endure in your entire life?!
jennifer brinkman 1 year ago
Since all pregnancies are the fault of men shooting sperm in women they should be required to be there!
Danish Susanne 1 year ago
If she was holding the rope I think he would quite often be recalled from his gaming and be psychologically present too.
RELATED:
#2
I had a young dad, 14yo, who’d brought his gaming setup to the room and hooked into the tv. He came from a very upright black family and she was latina with a big loving family.
The dad sat in the recliner playing while I tried to do teaching. Finally, I’d had enough of the noise (and disrespect) so I kinda lost it. I unplugged his rig and told him his days of playing games all night and sleeping til noon were over. He was a father now and he needed to listen to what was going on. I’ll admit I was a little harsh but he’d been swinging his d**k all damn day.
Anyway, I look at the families and they look to the grandmas and they look at me and one says Praise Jesus! While the other one is too polite to laugh but her smile gives her away. It was a moment.
I made sure he sat in and reiterated teaching on birth control.
SheamusFanFrom1987 1 year ago
14YO dad???!!! At that age, the only thing I was knocking up was my mountain bike on rocky trails...
#3
I had a mom on mag and she was so weak and tired. She literally asked to keep her catheter so that she didn't have to get up to use the bedside commode because she was so exhausted. I was trying to teach the dad how to make a bottle and change a diaper, but he looked at me and told me that was his wife's job. Like excuse me? This baby is yours too and she's obviously very sick.
#4
I do postpartum. I just hand them crying babies and tell them what the baby needs. I have gotten a little attitude with many and they usually act a little better after being called out. But who knows what they’ll be like once they get home. You have to be direct and tell them exactly what they should be doing. Correct them if they have the wrong idea about something. Validate those moms.
And ladies- be careful who you let knock you up. There’s some real trash out there.
Anna Ekberg 1 year ago (edited)
These stories makes me sad, these women don't have their partners help when they need it the most. Reminds me of my own story of giving birth to my son. I had his father with me but he kept making stupid comments and remarks that just upset me, i regret not kicking him out from the deliveryroom.
#5
I got one that takes the cake recently. I work l&d. We had a PPROM at 20wand5d who was laboring. Pt was taking a nap and the FOB left for dinner or whatever. Pt woke up to use the bathroom and delivered her baby on the toilet. FOB nowhere in the hospital and wasn't answering her calls. Placenta was still in situ and pt was hemorrhaging. We give cytotec rectally, and hemabate to help placenta deliver. Hemabate can cause crazy diarrhea. So pt is s******g her brains out, bleeding excessively and painful and also just delivered her dead baby. FOB comes back, she tears into him but then he just sits in the chair and then asks the nurses for a warm blanket and a popsicle. Do you know how hard it is to not want to hit a “support” person?
Noted to add: her premature rupture was most likely due to a gonorrhea infection that she caught from said partner.
Shark Lady 1 year ago
That poor woman, going through that kind of hell while having to deal with a so called partner who doesn't give a c**p.
#6
Yea… mother-baby nurse here. I fortunately meet more good than bad, I think. Plenty of bad ones, though. I recently met a dad giving everyone the silent treatment because his wife’s emergency c/s made him late for his haircut. I used to get a sense of pleasure waking the particularly useless dads in the middle of the night to do something 😏
Remi (He/Him) 1 year ago
That has got to be some sort of a weird panic response like the " omg baby's coming now, we still needed to get the nursery ready, what if something goes wrong, and I even missed my haircut" and the panic brain gets stuck on the haircut, because it's the least scary part or something. Of course it can be that the dad to be is an American psycho wannabe, but my brain fixated on my lack of socks during a house fire, which was weird and not really useful looking back.
#7
One of my midwives once kicked my ex's feet while he was having a nap during my labour and had a go at him for not supporting me.
I love that midwife 😂
#8
I just took care of a 19 y/o postpartum c section mom for the last two nights. She has been up with the baby crying all night so tired and I have not seen her man awake ONCE in the two nights I took care of her. She even asked if one of the nurses could go to the lobby to pick up her door dash because she didn’t want to wake the dad. Absolute loser, made my f*****g blood boil.
Shark Lady 1 year ago
I'm just thinking how awful it must have been for her when she and baby went home. You just know that she will be up doing all the night feeds and baby care during the day without any help from dad. I really hope she had a good support network because daddy is fkin useless.
#9
Oh I do enjoy judging the c**p out of these people. My favorites include:
1) the first time dad who when I put his daughter in his arms, asked why we didn’t have HBO because Game of Thrones was on
2) the dad who was generous enough to bring in his 55” TV so he could play video games on it all night
3) the dad who grumbled at me when I would go in to help his wife with breastfeeding and I had to turn on the light so I could see what the hell was going on
Mary Kelly 1 year ago
sounds like these hospitals need to stop letting people bring in video games...it is disturbing to patients...that's good enouhg reason for a ban anyway
#10
My brother in law slept through the birth of both of his children, would occasionally wake and complain about noise from the monitors/iv pump and smells. For several reasons he is one of the most despicable people I've ever met. Thank f**k his brother(my SO) is his absolute opposite.
His mother and I constantly tried to wake him, get him to hold his wife's hand, or just leave. Nope, he wanted to snore in the corner. Useless prick.
#11
I work labour and delivery. Sometimes we have dads who are wonderful and so helpful, and come watch while I’m doing baby’s first head to toe assessment because they just wanna be involved… other times… I’ve had a dad leave while the mother of his children was being c-sectioned to “pop out for a smoke.”
One dad in particular kept calling his partner names like “fat cow”… we were close to kicking him out. Don’t forget, the mother and baby are our number one priority. It’s one thing if the support person is scared or ignorant because it’s their first baby, but if they’re making everyone uncomfortable and being downright verbally abusive, you CAN ask the mom if she wants them there, and ask them to leave accordingly.
Anna Drever 1 year ago
You were close to kicking him out for calling her a fat cow??? No close about it. Out he goes!
#12
I have had multiple dads who literally will just Game on their ps5 they brought with them when their wife/gf is crying in pain from labor. One guy was telling his wife to not get an epidural because “she doesn’t need one” , wasn’t even sitting by her or comforting her, he was literally on his phone across the room.
Also had a dad who just napped while his wife lost 2 liters of blood and had to be rushed to the OR for a potential D&C. And when we got back his first question was “can i get another blanket?”
It just is frustrating as f*ck lol, like why even show up if you are gonna do nothing? It like is INFURIATING To me.
Alicia M 1 year ago (edited)
My (now ex) husband couldn't shut up long enough about himself, and his needs, that the nurses sat him down in a chair and told him to shut up because he was being so distracting. What was his problem, you ask? He was so "squeamish" that he was afraid he was going to faint. He kept going on and on about how his body felt at every moment, and how he was afraid he was going to fall. He had to be taken into the hall during my epidural because he was having too much trouble with it. Completely freaking useless. He still is. He is such a selfish, spoiled baby, and wanted a mommy, not a wife. Our son is now 19 and has absolutely nothing to do with him.
#13
During my OB clinicals a dad was on his phone as the baby was crowning. I kept looking back at him and trying to get him engaged. It was enraging and sad.
#14
the WORST is when a call bell goes off so I go in the room and it’s a dad saying “baby pooped”. I go “oh, is this your first baby?” (if it’s their first baby and first diaper change I’ll ofc show them how to do it, or if it’s their first girl). the dads will be like “uhhhh no” and I’ll be like “ok! so do you need any more diapers and wipes?” and they’ll go “uhhhhh there’s some here” then I’ll go “ok great, you can go ahead and change baby then :)” and leave. I’ve also had babies cry when mom is eating, sleeping, or in the bathroom and the dad call bells like you said. I’ll go “well did you try holding him?” and they’re like “uh…no?” then I’ll bring baby to dad and it’s so clear they’ve never held a baby before, which is super sad when their babies are 12+ hours old
#15
Just last Friday I had a 17 year old girl need a crash C Section at 33 weeks, baby got transferred to a different hospital since we don’t have a NICU, mom had to stay back for medical clearance
The dad looked 20/21 and he brought in his own TV and Xbox to play while mom was day 2 of recovery.
Mom was shaking any time we touched her, I had to hold her hand during fundal assessments while dad slept or played with his friends on the Xbox.
Part of me is like, what can I expect from a young dad, after all it’s babies having babies, but at the same time…that’s the mother of your child who nearly died needing to have a crash C section, AND your kid is in the NICU at another hospital.
Susie Elle 1 year ago
If you're old enough to put your d**k there, you're old enough to take responsibility for the consequences.
#16
I did birth doula work for a couple of years and definitely saw all that multiple times. Fathers literally playing video games on the recliner the. entire. time. In the moment it didn't make me mad so much as it made me really f*****g sad for mom.
I've also heard tons gross comments, like "are they going to stitch it tighter?" while mom gets sewn up after a tear. Or there's the dads that refuse to touch the baby before it's been cleaned. It's just... sad.
Lakota Wolf 1 year ago (edited)
Serious question for my Pandas who have penises: can you tell? Like does it ACTUALLY make a difference, the level of “tightness” down there? Or is it just a nice experience regardless of the fit? I’ve read SO many “throwing a hot dog down a hallway” jokes/stories that I don’t know what to believe any more.
#17
Work in NICU, had a dad stay overnight in the room with his baby per mom’s request, as to not leave the baby alone. He fell asleep on the couch, which whatever, it was like 0100. Baby randomly went completely apneic, bright lights went on, bagged baby, called for help, NP at bedside, prepped for intubation, portable CXR completed, RT set up the ventilator. There were like 6 staff members in the room at one point. Dad did not even stir, even though he was literally inches away from the chaos. Tried to wake him up, he answered me groggily and fell immediately back to sleep.
When he woke up 4 hours later he asked me what all the tubes, wires and machines were for.
When I sleep well, I don’t say I slept like a baby. I say I slept like a dad.
and_a_touch_of_the_’tism 1 year ago
“Sleeping like a baby” is a dumb saying anyways. Has ANYONE here seen a baby sleep soundly through the night?
#18
I once had a 20 yo patient having her first baby, scared sh*tless, being induced at 37 weeks because her baby had a cardiac anomaly. FOB was in the room but was sitting in a recliner in the corner on his phone all night; I showed him how to do counter pressure for her and he did it a couple times but then complained that he was tired so sat back down. So I came in a did it for hours until she decided she wanted the epidural. At one point FOB stepped out of the room without a word to do god knows what, she’s sobbing through her contractions and saying “he should be doing what you’re doing.” Breaks my heart every time I see s**t like this. Some people just should not be parents.
#19
I witnessed 2 births during nursing school, the first one the dad was amazing. He held moms hand, coached and encouraged her the whole time. After baby was born he did everything and encouraged mom to rest and eat. The second birth, dad watched and then took some pictures and was immediately back on the couch on his phone playing a phone game. I went home that day and told my husband we would get divorced if he ever acted like the second dad. I wish I could get paid going around L&D/postpartum being mean to s****y dads and family members🙃
#20
When I was in clinical I had one dad who actually told mom that she was lucky he was there because with his first kid (not with her) he wasn't even at the hospital. He just sat in the recliner watching some true crime show. MD did make small comment about the show choice but beyond that we all just side eyed him and just tried a few times to get him more involved.
Had a different dad who was young (not sure exactly age but id guess 18-20) who was somewhat more involved but as moms pain increased (had epidural but was getting close to crowning) he starting insisting that he was going to take her AMA because we were causing the pain. Luckily her mom showed up soon after and set him straight, told him he could shut up or get out.
On the other hand though, some of my sweetest moments were in L&D getting to watch the involved dads meet their baby. Of course sweet for anyone too but some of the best memories are a few dads who were enraptured immediately. One even was so worried to leave to grab something from the car (post-delivery mind you) that he asked if we were staying in there while he left so that mom/baby wouldn't be alone.
#21
House sup here. Code blue called in L&D- very unusual so I was expecting something truly awful. It was called for new dad who passed out after using heroin in the waiting area bathroom. What an awful f****r!
Lakota Wolf 1 year ago
I’ve struggled with drug addiction and I’ll be the first person to tell you that addicts are inherently selfish. But this takes the cake. Responsibility for another living being (child, parent, pet) is one of the few things that can force an addict to want to get help to quit. Rock bottom is one of the other few things. Sounds like this dad hadn’t hit either of those things. What a narcissistic doüche.
#22
I don't deal with this type of dad a lot - most are either of the "well-meaning guy who makes jokes to alleviate tension but can't read the room" or "deer in the headlights but trying his best" variety. Both take direction well and usually want to be engaged. The "stares at the phone through each contraction" dad is my trigger. My oldest's father was like this when I had his baby. Playing tetris on his phone until midnight and then telling me to just get the morphine so I would be quiet and he could sleep. And this was back in the days of flip phones - looking at your phone for hours was super weird then. That was over a decade ago and I can still remember that feeling of being abandoned by the person I loved.
When I have a dad now who does that and he's the only support person with her, I give him a job. And then another one. Rub her back, get her ice, hell, arrange her toiletries in the bathroom! Anything to engage them in the present with the needs of their partner. I can't stand watching them zone out into apathy land. It makes me so sad.
#23
Get your bingo cards out:
Dad complains about how long it’s taking (Free space)
Dad expresses disgust with breastfeeding
Dad requests a DNA test on a NICU baby clinging to life.
Dad sleeps through a hemorrhage or other medical emergency
Dad bullies his wife out of pain meds/epidural
Dad watching p*rn on his phone.
Weasel Wise 1 year ago
Is nobody going to ask, WHY THE FÚCK IS THE MALE GETTING ANY SAY IN ANY OF THIS?!?! It's her body, she's the patient!
#24
I work postpartum and nothing drives me more mental than the men that constantly whine about how uncomfortable the dad bench is to sleep on and how they’re tired, as if their wife didn’t just push out an entire a*s baby and is up feeding their cluster feeding newborn throughout the night (and they complain so much about how they can’t sleep but they’ll be out cold snoring whenever I come in for assessments). Also had a baby go into respiratory distress and go to NICU, and the dad slept through the entire ordeal. Our visitor policy is only 2 allowed (dad counts as 1 visitor) and I once had a dad try to go behind his wife’s back and have his mother be their 2nd visitor rather than her own mother, who she wanted there. When he left the room she was begging me to not let her MIL come in, and I had to stop the MIL at the front desk and send her home, which the dad was verrryyyyyy mad about. And in L&D clinicals I’ve seen many dads just scroll on their phone while their wife is crying in pain from her contractions. And last but not least, many men refuse to change their baby’s diapers and expect the nurses or their wife who just gave birth to do it.
Moezzzz 1 year ago
Damn. My ex was the first to change both kids diapers. He was amazing- I will definitely give him that. He even had his own diaper bag that he kept in his truck because he wanted them to literally go everywhere with him. He's still that way to this day- so proud of his boys.
#25
My favorite was the baby daddy (he was not in OR and she was failure to progress) asking after she had her c-section if we put in an extra stitch for him. Deadpan “Sir do you understand she had a c-section and the baby did not come out out of her vagina?” He just laughed it off and felt pretty dumb with the look I was giving him. Pretty sure I said now I hope you’re smarter than that. 🙄
#26
I had a dad ask his laboring partner if she was going to "be finished" before the puck dropped at a hockey game he wanted to watch.
#27
It’s absolutely ridiculous how many fathers really think that baby is not their responsibility. So so sad. My job has made me kinda resent men. The good ones are sooooo few and far between.
AnnaRachelle 1 year ago
I had my first baby at 17. He was 19. All through the labour he slept. My mam came to support me as I gave birth. Held my hand and told me off when I said I couldn't do it. My mam had to place my baby boy in his arms saying,this is your baby boy. Nothing. Left soon after my mam did. I ended up leaving him and being a lone parent. My boy deserves better then that. I felt sad and scared but had to just get on with it. My baby boy is 27 now and makes me so proud!
#28
I had a patient who was hemorrhaging, and her husband kept gleefully saying, “Oh wow, this is just like Chicago Med.” Took everything I had to not tell him to shut up while his wife was actively dying. 🙄 I mean, I’m glad we were all so calm he didn’t realize it was truly an emergency, but she lost 2L of blood before we got it under control. Not sure what he thought was happening with five nurses, anesthesia, and multiple OBs in the room.
#29
I work postpartum too and a lot of dads think their baby isn’t their responsibility. they won’t change diapers, they won’t hold baby, they won’t help with feeds, and they look at me with this shocked look in their eyes if I ask them to do anything.
tabithapaquette98 1 year ago
And they're usually the ones that want the kids! Bug wife about having kids then want nothing to do with them!
#30
I haven't done a *ton* of L+D shifts, but I've definitely seen the "brought my gaming console from home" thing a few times. One guy in particular was really bad, he was on there literally every time I came in the room (postpartum) and the L+D nurses said he was doing the same during the actual labor as well. I think he may have paused it during the actual final few pushes but that's it.
With that patient I just made sure to spend some extra time with her when I went in to do my checks. Would chit chat for a while, get her extra snacks, and all that. Of course I still felt bad that her SO was an a*s and that she wasn't getting *any* support from him, but I really wanted her to know that she could ask the staff anything and that she at least had us in her corner.
What do you think ?
David Jeffery 1 year ago
Just thought I'd send out an opposite perspective, so not everyone thinks we're dipshits. My daughter, who is now eleven, is an IVF baby and was absolutely wanted by both of us. My wife ended up having to have an emergency C section, as her BP was through the roof and, when I first heard my daughter cry, I shouted 'she's here!' and burst into tears myself. I ended up being the first to hold her, I cut her cord and I changed her nappy after her first poo, at 3am. My wife couldn't have done it, she was still recovering from surgery. I would have breastfed her if I could have. We're not all complete shitheads; some of us want our kids
Alexandra Grey 1 year ago
You're the kind of father and husband every woman wants. Well done.
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Charl Marx 1 year ago
After having my daughter, we were kept in for a few days for observation (traumatic birth), and there was a woman in the bed opposite me who broke my heart. I managed to speak to her a few times on the ward, she was super nice but very broken down by others. She said she sent a photo of the newborn to her ex partner and his only comment was that she should've had an abortion. She was up all night feeding her newborn, absolutely exhausted from giving birth, her useless mother brought her 3 year old daughter back to her, and complained that she was too tired to look after her as the kid didn't sleep. So that poor woman now had her 3YO running about the hospital and her newborn screaming the place down. Fortunately the nurses were amazing at occupying the 3YO, and a social worker came in to arrange help for the woman as soon as she was discharged. I do think about her sometimes and I hope she's doing ok.
Tyke 1 year ago
The men mentioned above are just useless. However, I have to ask what hospital allows people to bring in games consoles yet alone those AND a tv?! You would be laughed out of a UK hospital
Amelia Jade 1 year ago
I spent several years as a labor doula. I once had a client who got pregnant at a local musical festival by a guy she met at said festival. I would meet with clients several times before labor to have what are basically counseling sessions. He missed a couple of them. And the ones where he was present, I had a bad feeling. She was great, hilariously funny, just a free spirit type. He was moody, seemed distant, and clearly not excited to be a dad. He'd barely say a word to me. One word answers when I'd ask question. I was wishing she'd decide she didn't want him present during the birth. I was certain he was not going to be helpful. The day finally comes, and he was like a different person. He was so involved. He gladly took turns with me doing counter pressure. He kept coming up with ideas, like little hacks, to help with pain and nausea. I was thinking this kid would make a great doula! He really surprised me. Sadly, they didn't stay together, but at least he came through on that day
Xottel 1 year ago
I came here to rant about those choosing video games over their childbirth. But now I think there's a serious problem with addiction and depression going on, so it's hard for me to judge those guys. At least some of them. There are some real shltheads in this list.
The Starsong Princess 1 year ago
They are retreating into world where they feel in control and comfortable instead of stepping up in the real world.
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birdhouse 1 year ago
My wife was induced with our first baby. We were there at 4am. She fell asleep around 1pm as things were moving very slow. I was sitting in a chair beside the bed and also closed my eyes. I had a nurse kick my chair angrily saying how dare I fall asleep. That I should be awake even if my wife fell asleep as she was doing all the work then muttered something about deadbeat dads. I was already stressed as a first time dad. I still think the nurse was out of line.
Nikki Sevven 1 year ago
I agree the nurse was out of line, and I wonder if it's because of stories like the ones in this article. Is this kind of behavior so prevalent that nurses expect it? If so, it's depressing. I don't think you did anything wrong, though. Might as well sleep while she sleeps.
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whodunnitfan2013 1 year ago (edited)
The stories with child/teen parents are extra sad. Children should not be having children. Anyone who thinks that's a good thing is a pedo.
Humansarethevirus 1 year ago
Christians religious parasites are responsible for this, they force their kids to have babies
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Kathryn Donovan 1 year ago
I've had many years of working L & D and NICU so I have a million stories. I'll just share a couple of things, though. In my experience, I've had more Dad's that were supportive and helpful for their laboring partner. There's always a few a-holes everywhere and I have a pretty good idea these ladies knew how Dad might act while she labored! I usually tried not to be judgemental because maybe the Dad's who acted like they didn't care just shut everything down because of fear! The thing that makes me roll my eyes, grates my nerves and makes me cringe? When the Dad says something like "Put an extry stitch in it Fer me, Dr" and then giggle. My response was either " What are you telling us about yourself, Sir?" Or "We're putting it back the way we found it!"
Horosho Bodka 1 year ago
My mistake was unforgivable... At the hospital we used they gave a special piece of cake from a well known local bakery to the new mothers. I didn't know that before hand. She was sleeping it off, exhausted, and I was starving and ate. Including the cake, which I thought was just dessert. 21 years later, I still get grief over it...
Star Anäis 1 year ago
I pray I will be smart enough to never chose a man with any of these characteristics! Just so depressing and anger inducing.
similarly 1 year ago
Not only are these people failing to support and help the person who's supposed to be the most important person in the world to them, they're losing out on all those precious moments of being a father: changing diapers, pacing the floor with a baby in your arms, bathing the baby, dressing the baby, feeding the baby with your off-hand because you're seated on the wrong side of the table, getting peed on, pooped on, thrown up on, and screamed at. And then they grow up and they're gone, and you smile and encourage that independence, and you miss them. And you miss that heavy, heavy baby. Trust me guys: the video games will be waiting for you after the kids are grown and gone. They can wait. Don't miss out on those moments. You blink and it's over.
Brendan (banned for downvotes) 1 year ago
Umm...most Dads are fully involved in these moments. You may even be surprised that some Mums aren't.
Load More Replies... Trisec 1 year ago
It is very clear than anyone who wants to have sex and make babies should be put through the same vetting process as any prospective adoptive parent. The things Mrs. TriSec and I had to prove that we were "fit parents" would probably solve a lot of problems if they were applied to 'the ordinary method'.
Kathryn Donovan 1 year ago
The most fun I've ever had at work was when one of the Navy Dr's and I would dress out the Dad's in delivery gear and deliver their own babies. Granted, the Dr was right there with Dad guiding his hands and actually doing the delivery but to the Dad's who really wanted to hand's on participate, it was exciting and thrilling and they loved it! I've seen more than one big Ole Marine cry like a little kid after getting to deliver ther own baby! Most just laughed and were so excited it made us laugh too. Almost like watching a kid on Christmas morning getting exactly what they wanted! And before anyone asks, we only did this when we had optimal conditions like vertex crowning, reactive fetal heart tones and both parents willing and excited to experience this awesome opportunity. Plus, the Dad's were told if they heard any of us say get out if the way and let Dr finish that they needed to move STAT and ask questions later! Never ever had anything distressing happen and I am so glad to be part of a memory this family would share for a lifetime and a story to be told to family and friends over and over through the years!
Got Myself 4 Pandas 1 year ago
If my husband tried to bring his PlayStation to the hospital I would've thrown it out the car window on the way there - absolutely no chance I'm having that!
SarahBee 1 year ago
Video games and TV/Monitors need to be banned in all L&D departments. Period.
Ian Shaw 1 year ago
My wife is the one who wanted such entertainment while we waited for the inducement to induce. Would you deny her?
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Bernice Smit 1 year ago
This post makes me extra thankful for my husband. He is everything and more for our 2 children.
Laura Binns 1 year ago
So...why do we not get dad's-to-be to read and sign a contract before entering the birthing room? Which includes 'no phone' and which outlines to them what is expected of them.
Brendan (banned for downvotes) 1 year ago
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Powerful Katrinka 1 year ago
I had to stop reading these because my blood pressure was going through the roof.
Ian Shaw 1 year ago
The worst that can be said of me is I nearly fainted when the doctor asked I'd I'd like to cut the cord with our last boy. My mom, also in to help, was maneuvering to catch me before he finished the question...she knows me too well! I can dress out game, dissect animals for biology, but when if comes to the human body and making deliberate cuts, however necessary...well, folks, there's a reason I'm not a surgeon, and it's not lack of brains 😉 I did see my sons crown without losing it, I did hold them as soon as I could (Mama had dibs), and did help with diapers. During labor, I only left the room when SHE insisted I eat (and time allowed) and to get her ice. I happily held her hand. I helped with breathing. My hands withstood the crushing. When our eldest was in the NICU but she couldn't yet visit him, I gave him all the time I could bear to be parted from her. If the TV was on during labor, it was because she so chose and what she wanted for distraction.
Ian Shaw 1 year ago
I didn't let myself be more distracted than a crossword, easily set aside when it was time to attend to matters. I don't expect praise for this. It's what I would consider to be my job, and in her eyes, at least, I did it well enough, which is all the praise one could ask.
Load More Replies... Tyranamar Seuss 1 year ago
I had my baby with just a friend in the room. But I'm seriously wondering, like what is dad supposed to do? I was in labor for over 30 hrs. Friend was very involved until I got the epidural. Then I slept and she watched TV or played on her phone. I seriously wouldn't have cared if she played video games. Natural labor I can see- lots of huffing and coaching. But medically comfortable labor, what else is there to do?
Ian Shaw 1 year ago
Sometimes epidural aren't perfect, there's still breathing through the pushing, the woman in labor wants ice chips, or just her partner with a clearer head there to anchor her own confidence, or at least, this was our experience.
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Gg 1 year ago
Who would even think to bring a game console, let alone a TV!?! I can't imagine a woman coming in on labor with her guy behind her carrying a TV 🤦
Ian Shaw 1 year ago (edited)
I wouldn't bring either, personally, but my wife's the gamer, so yes, we had a console. I didn't use it, and she was properly motivated to set it aside when the time came, buy not all gamers are men, nor are all men gamers, so I think a blanket ban a bit much, eh?
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Niki A 1 year ago
Dear men, Not all of you are useless. Some of you are great. Just do your best and be involved, and we will be thankful.
Brendan (banned for downvotes) 1 year ago
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Hakitosama 1 year ago
On the other end of the spectrum : my dad. My mom rejected me at birth (post partum depression wasn't well known at the time) so the skin to skin was actually with my dad. Afterwards... I don't know if it imprinted smthg on him but he was full out Papa bear. He was the one waking up seconds before I started crying, fed me my bottles and all that. Did it for my sis' too. Might be something to dig into in the birthing room there....
LynzCatastrophe 1 year ago
I know this isn't all men, most of you are actually pretty good. But really, vasectomies are reversible. You should really need to come of age and then be made to take many, many long courses and take exams before being allowed to procreate. Probably sounds dystopian but you need to prove you aren't useless or an AH.
Nikki Sevven 1 year ago
I'm not going to downvote you, but I am going to disagree with you. The overwhelming majority of these guys were uninterested, entitled, and just plain jerks.
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Ian Shaw 1 year ago
Victim blaming...good for you! Some men don't reveal their uselessness until the situation arises. Some of these women didn't choose pregnancy with the hook up, just followed through, thankfully. That Some bear responsibility to Some degree may be true, but it doesn't excuse the douchiness by any means. What a tone deaf response on your part. Would you be one of these men, protesting too much?
Load More Replies... Auntriarch 1 year ago
I know what you mean, but I guess that would be a different post Brendan
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David Jeffery 1 year ago
Just thought I'd send out an opposite perspective, so not everyone thinks we're dipshits. My daughter, who is now eleven, is an IVF baby and was absolutely wanted by both of us. My wife ended up having to have an emergency C section, as her BP was through the roof and, when I first heard my daughter cry, I shouted 'she's here!' and burst into tears myself. I ended up being the first to hold her, I cut her cord and I changed her nappy after her first poo, at 3am. My wife couldn't have done it, she was still recovering from surgery. I would have breastfed her if I could have. We're not all complete shitheads; some of us want our kids
Alexandra Grey 1 year ago
You're the kind of father and husband every woman wants. Well done.
Load More Replies... Charl Marx 1 year ago
After having my daughter, we were kept in for a few days for observation (traumatic birth), and there was a woman in the bed opposite me who broke my heart. I managed to speak to her a few times on the ward, she was super nice but very broken down by others. She said she sent a photo of the newborn to her ex partner and his only comment was that she should've had an abortion. She was up all night feeding her newborn, absolutely exhausted from giving birth, her useless mother brought her 3 year old daughter back to her, and complained that she was too tired to look after her as the kid didn't sleep. So that poor woman now had her 3YO running about the hospital and her newborn screaming the place down. Fortunately the nurses were amazing at occupying the 3YO, and a social worker came in to arrange help for the woman as soon as she was discharged. I do think about her sometimes and I hope she's doing ok.
Tyke 1 year ago
The men mentioned above are just useless. However, I have to ask what hospital allows people to bring in games consoles yet alone those AND a tv?! You would be laughed out of a UK hospital
Amelia Jade 1 year ago
I spent several years as a labor doula. I once had a client who got pregnant at a local musical festival by a guy she met at said festival. I would meet with clients several times before labor to have what are basically counseling sessions. He missed a couple of them. And the ones where he was present, I had a bad feeling. She was great, hilariously funny, just a free spirit type. He was moody, seemed distant, and clearly not excited to be a dad. He'd barely say a word to me. One word answers when I'd ask question. I was wishing she'd decide she didn't want him present during the birth. I was certain he was not going to be helpful. The day finally comes, and he was like a different person. He was so involved. He gladly took turns with me doing counter pressure. He kept coming up with ideas, like little hacks, to help with pain and nausea. I was thinking this kid would make a great doula! He really surprised me. Sadly, they didn't stay together, but at least he came through on that day
Xottel 1 year ago
I came here to rant about those choosing video games over their childbirth. But now I think there's a serious problem with addiction and depression going on, so it's hard for me to judge those guys. At least some of them. There are some real shltheads in this list.
The Starsong Princess 1 year ago
They are retreating into world where they feel in control and comfortable instead of stepping up in the real world.
Load More Replies... birdhouse 1 year ago
My wife was induced with our first baby. We were there at 4am. She fell asleep around 1pm as things were moving very slow. I was sitting in a chair beside the bed and also closed my eyes. I had a nurse kick my chair angrily saying how dare I fall asleep. That I should be awake even if my wife fell asleep as she was doing all the work then muttered something about deadbeat dads. I was already stressed as a first time dad. I still think the nurse was out of line.
Nikki Sevven 1 year ago
I agree the nurse was out of line, and I wonder if it's because of stories like the ones in this article. Is this kind of behavior so prevalent that nurses expect it? If so, it's depressing. I don't think you did anything wrong, though. Might as well sleep while she sleeps.
Load More Replies... whodunnitfan2013 1 year ago (edited)
The stories with child/teen parents are extra sad. Children should not be having children. Anyone who thinks that's a good thing is a pedo.
Humansarethevirus 1 year ago
Christians religious parasites are responsible for this, they force their kids to have babies
Load More Replies... Kathryn Donovan 1 year ago
I've had many years of working L & D and NICU so I have a million stories. I'll just share a couple of things, though. In my experience, I've had more Dad's that were supportive and helpful for their laboring partner. There's always a few a-holes everywhere and I have a pretty good idea these ladies knew how Dad might act while she labored! I usually tried not to be judgemental because maybe the Dad's who acted like they didn't care just shut everything down because of fear! The thing that makes me roll my eyes, grates my nerves and makes me cringe? When the Dad says something like "Put an extry stitch in it Fer me, Dr" and then giggle. My response was either " What are you telling us about yourself, Sir?" Or "We're putting it back the way we found it!"
Horosho Bodka 1 year ago
My mistake was unforgivable... At the hospital we used they gave a special piece of cake from a well known local bakery to the new mothers. I didn't know that before hand. She was sleeping it off, exhausted, and I was starving and ate. Including the cake, which I thought was just dessert. 21 years later, I still get grief over it...
Star Anäis 1 year ago
I pray I will be smart enough to never chose a man with any of these characteristics! Just so depressing and anger inducing.
similarly 1 year ago
Not only are these people failing to support and help the person who's supposed to be the most important person in the world to them, they're losing out on all those precious moments of being a father: changing diapers, pacing the floor with a baby in your arms, bathing the baby, dressing the baby, feeding the baby with your off-hand because you're seated on the wrong side of the table, getting peed on, pooped on, thrown up on, and screamed at. And then they grow up and they're gone, and you smile and encourage that independence, and you miss them. And you miss that heavy, heavy baby. Trust me guys: the video games will be waiting for you after the kids are grown and gone. They can wait. Don't miss out on those moments. You blink and it's over.
Brendan (banned for downvotes) 1 year ago
Umm...most Dads are fully involved in these moments. You may even be surprised that some Mums aren't.
Load More Replies... Trisec 1 year ago
It is very clear than anyone who wants to have sex and make babies should be put through the same vetting process as any prospective adoptive parent. The things Mrs. TriSec and I had to prove that we were "fit parents" would probably solve a lot of problems if they were applied to 'the ordinary method'.
Kathryn Donovan 1 year ago
The most fun I've ever had at work was when one of the Navy Dr's and I would dress out the Dad's in delivery gear and deliver their own babies. Granted, the Dr was right there with Dad guiding his hands and actually doing the delivery but to the Dad's who really wanted to hand's on participate, it was exciting and thrilling and they loved it! I've seen more than one big Ole Marine cry like a little kid after getting to deliver ther own baby! Most just laughed and were so excited it made us laugh too. Almost like watching a kid on Christmas morning getting exactly what they wanted! And before anyone asks, we only did this when we had optimal conditions like vertex crowning, reactive fetal heart tones and both parents willing and excited to experience this awesome opportunity. Plus, the Dad's were told if they heard any of us say get out if the way and let Dr finish that they needed to move STAT and ask questions later! Never ever had anything distressing happen and I am so glad to be part of a memory this family would share for a lifetime and a story to be told to family and friends over and over through the years!
Got Myself 4 Pandas 1 year ago
If my husband tried to bring his PlayStation to the hospital I would've thrown it out the car window on the way there - absolutely no chance I'm having that!
SarahBee 1 year ago
Video games and TV/Monitors need to be banned in all L&D departments. Period.
Ian Shaw 1 year ago
My wife is the one who wanted such entertainment while we waited for the inducement to induce. Would you deny her?
Load More Replies... Bernice Smit 1 year ago
This post makes me extra thankful for my husband. He is everything and more for our 2 children.
Laura Binns 1 year ago
So...why do we not get dad's-to-be to read and sign a contract before entering the birthing room? Which includes 'no phone' and which outlines to them what is expected of them.
Brendan (banned for downvotes) 1 year ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Load More Replies... Powerful Katrinka 1 year ago
I had to stop reading these because my blood pressure was going through the roof.
Ian Shaw 1 year ago
The worst that can be said of me is I nearly fainted when the doctor asked I'd I'd like to cut the cord with our last boy. My mom, also in to help, was maneuvering to catch me before he finished the question...she knows me too well! I can dress out game, dissect animals for biology, but when if comes to the human body and making deliberate cuts, however necessary...well, folks, there's a reason I'm not a surgeon, and it's not lack of brains 😉 I did see my sons crown without losing it, I did hold them as soon as I could (Mama had dibs), and did help with diapers. During labor, I only left the room when SHE insisted I eat (and time allowed) and to get her ice. I happily held her hand. I helped with breathing. My hands withstood the crushing. When our eldest was in the NICU but she couldn't yet visit him, I gave him all the time I could bear to be parted from her. If the TV was on during labor, it was because she so chose and what she wanted for distraction.
Ian Shaw 1 year ago
I didn't let myself be more distracted than a crossword, easily set aside when it was time to attend to matters. I don't expect praise for this. It's what I would consider to be my job, and in her eyes, at least, I did it well enough, which is all the praise one could ask.
Load More Replies... Tyranamar Seuss 1 year ago
I had my baby with just a friend in the room. But I'm seriously wondering, like what is dad supposed to do? I was in labor for over 30 hrs. Friend was very involved until I got the epidural. Then I slept and she watched TV or played on her phone. I seriously wouldn't have cared if she played video games. Natural labor I can see- lots of huffing and coaching. But medically comfortable labor, what else is there to do?
Ian Shaw 1 year ago
Sometimes epidural aren't perfect, there's still breathing through the pushing, the woman in labor wants ice chips, or just her partner with a clearer head there to anchor her own confidence, or at least, this was our experience.
Load More Replies... Gg 1 year ago
Who would even think to bring a game console, let alone a TV!?! I can't imagine a woman coming in on labor with her guy behind her carrying a TV 🤦
Ian Shaw 1 year ago (edited)
I wouldn't bring either, personally, but my wife's the gamer, so yes, we had a console. I didn't use it, and she was properly motivated to set it aside when the time came, buy not all gamers are men, nor are all men gamers, so I think a blanket ban a bit much, eh?
Load More Replies... Niki A 1 year ago
Dear men, Not all of you are useless. Some of you are great. Just do your best and be involved, and we will be thankful.
Brendan (banned for downvotes) 1 year ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Load More Replies... Hakitosama 1 year ago
On the other end of the spectrum : my dad. My mom rejected me at birth (post partum depression wasn't well known at the time) so the skin to skin was actually with my dad. Afterwards... I don't know if it imprinted smthg on him but he was full out Papa bear. He was the one waking up seconds before I started crying, fed me my bottles and all that. Did it for my sis' too. Might be something to dig into in the birthing room there....
LynzCatastrophe 1 year ago
I know this isn't all men, most of you are actually pretty good. But really, vasectomies are reversible. You should really need to come of age and then be made to take many, many long courses and take exams before being allowed to procreate. Probably sounds dystopian but you need to prove you aren't useless or an AH.
Nikki Sevven 1 year ago
I'm not going to downvote you, but I am going to disagree with you. The overwhelming majority of these guys were uninterested, entitled, and just plain jerks.
Load More Replies... Ian Shaw 1 year ago
Victim blaming...good for you! Some men don't reveal their uselessness until the situation arises. Some of these women didn't choose pregnancy with the hook up, just followed through, thankfully. That Some bear responsibility to Some degree may be true, but it doesn't excuse the douchiness by any means. What a tone deaf response on your part. Would you be one of these men, protesting too much?
Load More Replies... Auntriarch 1 year ago
I know what you mean, but I guess that would be a different post Brendan
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