One dad’s comical recount of his wife’s labor has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason.
Sharing birth stories has become a rite of passage for new moms. Whether in baby music classes, at the playground, or even while waiting in line at the grocery store, you’re bound to swap tales about those intense moments. Much like gathering around a campfire to share ghost stories, these exchanges can be both entertaining and a bit daunting.
However, we sometimes overlook the fact that it’s not just the moms who are in the delivery room. Enter Jake Thompson, also known as DadJokes, who humorously reminded us of this reality in a viral Facebook post about the birth of his son, Leo.
“I’ve always prided myself on staying cool under pressure,” he wrote. “But the moment I got the call that my wife’s water had broken, everything changed. The thrill of becoming a dad vanished instantly because, oh my goodness, a tiny human was about to make his grand entrance.” Thompson’s brutally honest take on his wife’s labor experience is something many can relate to.
He scored major husband points by racing to the hospital when contractions began, disregarding speed limits like a true champion. But once they arrived, he realized not everyone shared his level of panic. “I parked as fast as I could, rang the buzzer like it was life or death, threw her in a wheelchair, and sprinted to the maternity ward like I was training for the Olympics,” he shared. “Then this lady casually strolls over and opens the door for us. I just put in a performance that would make Usain Bolt proud, and she greets us like we’re early to a book club meeting!”
Thompson also shed light on how giving birth is much messier than the sanitized version presented in birthing classes. “You really don’t understand the depths of love until you’re hosing down your partner with warm water in front of strangers. This was straight out of a Discovery Channel episode. At this point, dignity was just a distant memory.” Not exactly the kind of thing you’d want to write in an anniversary card, but kudos to him for being there for his wife.
He candidly pointed out how those birthing classes did little to prepare him for the actual event. “When your wife’s grip on your arm feels like it’s about to shatter and she’s demanding an epidural in a voice that could raise the dead, and it’s too late… you’re in deep trouble. Honestly, those classes didn’t prepare me for anything. We should’ve been watching The Exorcism of Emily Rose—at least I would have known what to expect. A vial of holy water would’ve been nice.”
In the end, little Leo arrived safe and sound. Thompson reflected on the experience as both terrifying and beautiful, but he still believes that other dads-to-be should be just as anxious. “If you know any guys out there pretending not to be nervous, tell them they should be very freakin’ nervous. Or send them my way. I’m an expert now.”
This article was originally published on November 7, 2016.
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In summary, Jake Thompson’s hilarious recount of his experience in the delivery room serves as a reminder that while labor is no walk in the park for moms, it’s just as daunting for dads. His candid reflections not only entertain but also prepare other fathers for the wild ride of childbirth.