Man Weirded Out By Pregnant Friend Who Treats Him Like The Father And Wants Him At The Delivery

We all have that one friend we instinctively call when life throws anything our way. Feeling bored? They’re the first number you dial. Stressed? They’re the one who listens. They’re loyal, dependable, and always show up… But sometimes, even the strongest friendships can test boundaries in ways you don’t expect.

Take one woman’s story, for example. She wasn’t bothered by her boyfriend having a female best friend, at first. Things took a surprising turn when that best friend asked him to be present for her childbirth. Keep reading to see why he was asked and why it pushed the author to her limits.

Childbirth can be an intense and deeply emotional experience

Pregnant woman in hospital bed supported by partner and medical staff during birth support experience.

Image credits: Pressmaster

One woman shared how she felt unsettled when her boyfriend was asked to attend his best friend’s delivery

Woman feels hurt as partner’s first birth support experience happens with female friend at hospital.

Woman feels hurt as partner experiences first birth support with female friend, causing emotional distance and tension.

Text on a white background describes a woman feeling hurt as her partner’s first birth support experience won’t include her.

Woman feels hurt as partner has first birth support experience without her, showing emotional distance during a difficult time.

Text excerpt from a woman feeling hurt as her partner’s first birth support experience happens without her.

Text describing a woman feeling hurt as her partner’s first birth support experience happens without her presence.

Woman feeling hurt as partner supports birth experience without her, expressing emotional pain and relationship struggle.

Woman feels hurt and emotional as partner’s first birth support experience happens without her presence.

Woman feels hurt as partner experiences first birth support without her, highlighting emotional impact and challenges in delivery plans.

Woman feels hurt as partner misses first birth support, leaving her scared and alone during labor induction.

Woman feeling hurt and emotional as partner's first birth support experience happens without her presence.

Text discussing a woman feeling hurt as her partner's first birth support experience is with someone else, causing jealousy.

Woman feeling hurt and upset sitting on a couch, reflecting on partner’s first birth support experience without her

Text discussing feelings about partner’s first birth support experience and concerns during labor and postpartum.

Woman feels hurt and excluded as partner's first birth support experience happens without her presence.

Woman feels hurt as partner experiences first birth support without her, highlighting emotional challenges and complex feelings.

Text excerpt discussing doubts about paternity and feelings related to a partner’s birth support experience.

Text excerpt discussing a woman's feelings hurt due to partner’s first birth support experience not involving her.

Text discussing a woman feeling hurt as her partner’s first birth support experience is with someone else, not her.

Woman feeling hurt as partner’s first birth support experience happens without her, showing emotional distance and sadness.

Woman feeling hurt and overwhelmed as partner’s first birth support experience happens without her presence.

Text excerpt discussing a woman feeling hurt as her partner's first birth support experience won't be with her.

Text on a white background discussing contacting a mutual female acquaintance for birth support as a support network.

Image credits: BeetrootBrownies

She went on to explain the full story, giving more context about the situation

Woman feels hurt as partner’s first birth support experience takes place without her presence.

Screenshot of an online forum post expressing feelings of hurt over partner’s first birth support experience not being shared.

Woman looking hurt while her partner supports birth without her, expressing feelings of exclusion and emotional pain.

Woman feeling hurt and alone as partner's first birth support experience happens without her presence

Screenshot of an online comment expressing concern about a woman feeling hurt over partner’s first birth support experience.

Woman looking hurt and reflective, highlighting feelings around partner’s first birth support experience without her.

Having your partner by your side during childbirth can make the whole experience feel more supportive, comforting, and even empowering

Labour isn’t exactly a walk in the park, especially for first-time moms. Between the aches, intense sensations, and all the unknowns, having someone there for support, both emotional and practical, can make the whole experience a lot more manageable (and a little less terrifying). Research consistently shows that having a companion during labour significantly reduces stress, increases confidence, and can even improve birth outcomes. A familiar, comforting presence can make the journey less daunting and help the mother feel more in control. 

Often, the partner or father-to-be takes on this role, providing comfort, reassurance, and practical assistance. But it isn’t limited to them: some women prefer a parent, sibling, close relative, trusted friend, or even a traditional birth attendant. The key is familiarity and trust. For some partners, being actively involved adds meaning to the experience, allowing them to share in the milestone and feel connected from the very beginning.

Ultimately, it’s the mother who should decide who supports her. Annie Portela, Technical Officer at the WHO Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health and Ageing, emphasizes: “From global actors to healthcare providers, community networks, and women’s groups, everyone has a role in advocating for labour companions. Every woman has the right to choose a companion to support her during labour and childbirth.” This ensures the mother’s needs, comfort, and preferences remain central to the experience.

A labour companion should understand the stages of labour: early labour, active labour, and the postnatal period. Being aware of what to expect at each stage helps the companion provide better support. Today, many hospitals and community centers offer preparatory classes for couples or companions, teaching practical skills, communication strategies, and comfort measures. Even simple things, like knowing how to assist with breathing exercises or when to call for help, can make a huge difference. Preparation builds confidence for both the mother and the companion.

During labour, having someone by your side isn’t just nice: it’s a game-changer. Even simple things like holding a hand, rubbing a tense shoulder, or whispering “you’ve got this” can do wonders. Just being there, cheering her on, reminding her to breathe, or making sure the pillows are comfy, turns scary, stressful moments into ones she can actually get through. It’s the little gestures that make a huge difference in both comfort and morale.

Women often need a mix of support, everything from emotional encouragement to practical help, throughout the labour journey

Image credits: DC_Studio / envato (not the actual photo)

One of the most important roles of a labour companion is effective communication. Continuously checking in with the mother about her needs, preferences, and comfort is vital. Sometimes it’s about speaking words of encouragement; other times, it’s about reading non-verbal cues and knowing when to step in or give space. Listening carefully, repeating information from medical staff if needed, and being a calm presence reduces anxiety and ensures the mother feels understood and supported.

Being a labour sidekick is all about patience and empathy. Labour can throw curveballs, and emotions can swing from calm to “I need a venti latte of support” in seconds. A good companion doesn’t rush, doesn’t judge, and rolls with whatever the mom needs.

And the role of a labour companion doesn’t end once the baby is born. Postpartum support is equally important, especially in the first few days and weeks. Helping with meals, hydration, and basic tasks allows the mother to focus on recovery and bonding with her baby. Emotional support remains key, as the mother navigates physical healing, breastfeeding, and adjusting to life with a newborn. A reliable companion helps the mother feel cared for, rested, and ready to embrace motherhood with confidence.

In this case, it seems the guy’s best friend didn’t have anyone to support her during childbirth. However, the author made a fair point: being present during labour can be an incredibly emotional and demanding experience. It’s a situation that brings up complex feelings about boundaries, trust, and priorities. How would you handle something like this? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Online readers empathized with the author’s feelings while also sympathizing with the friend’s difficult circumstances

Text conversation discussing partner's discomfort and challenges with birth support experience during labor.

Woman feels hurt as partner’s first birth support experience excludes her, highlighting emotional challenges in relationship dynamics.

User comment expressing concern about dependence on a partner amid birth support and family dynamics issues.

Comment expressing concern about partner’s absence during first birth support experience and exposure during labor.

Text discussing discomfort with partner's birth support role and managing expectations for emotional support after birth.

Text conversation expressing hurt feelings as partner’s first birth support experience happens without her present.

Woman feeling hurt as partner's first birth support experience happens without her presence and involvement

Comment discussing partner's first birth support experience and emotional impact on woman feeling hurt.

Woman feels hurt and disappointed as partner’s first birth support experience will not be with her during labor.

Woman feels hurt as partner’s first birth support experience happens without her, showing emotional conflict in relationship.

Screenshot of a forum post about a woman feeling hurt as partner’s first birth support experience will not include her.

Screenshot of a comment discussing women’s care and the need for male support during vulnerable birth moments.

Text excerpt showing a person expressing sympathy for a woman feeling alone and scared due to lack of birth support from her partner.

Text excerpt discussing a woman needing birth support as her partner’s first birth experience won’t be with her.

Woman feeling hurt as partner’s first birth support experience happens without her, highlighting emotional pain and childbirth support issues.

Poll Question

Total votes ·

Thanks! Check out the results:

Total votes ·

Newsletter

Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls

Subscribe

By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.

Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!

Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!