Updated: Jan. 16, 2017
Originally Published: Nov. 7, 2016
A man’s epic account of his wife’s labor has taken the internet by storm — and for good reason. Swapping birth stories has become a rite of passage among new moms. You’ll hear these tales at baby music classes, on playgrounds, and even while waiting in line at the grocery store. Sharing birthing experiences can be entertaining, if a little nerve-racking.
But let’s not forget, even though it’s the moms doing the heavy lifting, the dads are also feeling the pressure in the delivery room.
Meet Alex Smith, a.k.a. DadNinja
Alex reminded us just how wild the experience can be. In a hilarious Facebook post, he recounted the birth of his son, Leo, from his dad-to-be perspective. “I always thought I could keep my cool under pressure,” he shared. “But the moment I got the call that my wife’s water broke, all that went out the window. The thrill of becoming a dad was overshadowed by the sheer panic of a tiny human about to emerge from my wife.”
Alex definitely scored some major husband points racing to the hospital when contractions kicked in, ignoring the speed limit like a true hero. But upon arrival, he quickly realized he wasn’t the only one in crisis mode. “I parked as fast as I could, rang the buzzer like a madman, and whisked her into a wheelchair, sprinting toward maternity like I was in the Olympics,” he wrote. “Then this woman casually strolls over and opens the door for us like we’re just showing up to a book club meeting.”
The Messy Reality of Childbirth
He also candidly described the messy reality of childbirth that no birthing class could prepare him for. “You really don’t appreciate true love until you’re hosing down your naked partner in front of strangers. It was like a scene from a nature documentary. Dignity? Gone!” Sure, that might not be the sweet sentiment you want in an anniversary card, but kudos for being there when your partner needs you.
Alex hit the nail on the head when he noted that those fancy birthing classes did absolutely nothing to equip him for the real deal. “When your wife breaks your arm while demanding an epidural in a voice that could summon demons, and it’s too late to help… You’re done for. Those classes didn’t teach me a thing,” he quipped. “We should have been watching the Exorcism of Emily Rose. At least I would’ve known what to expect and brought some holy water.”
A Reflective Conclusion
Fortunately, baby Leo arrived healthy, and Alex reflected on the experience as both breathtaking and overwhelming. He insists that future dads have every right to be anxious. “If you know any guys acting brave about this whole thing, tell them to be very, very nervous. Or send them my way. I’ve been through the wringer and survived!”
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In summary, Alex Smith’s story serves as a comedic reminder of the chaos that can accompany birth, especially for dads. The journey to parenthood is not just a physical one for moms but an emotional rollercoaster for dads too. So, if you find yourself in the delivery room, remember: it’s okay to be nervous!