My (24F) Husband (23M) Faked Fainting After I Gave Birth

In a dimly lit hospital room, a 24-year-old new mom cradles her newborn after an emergency C-section, exhausted but elated. Her husband, sent home for the night, returns with a tale of fainting on icy streets, stirring her concern. Months later, his confession—that he lied to steal sympathy—cracks the foundation of their young marriage, leaving her questioning his support during her toughest moments.

This Reddit saga, brimming with raw hurt and tangled love, pulls readers into a storm of trust and unmet expectations. The woman’s struggle to balance her husband’s remorse with her own pain captures the delicate dance of partnership under pressure. It’s a story that resonates with anyone who’s felt let down when they needed love most.

‘My (24F) Husband (23M) Faked Fainting After I Gave Birth’

Childbirth is a crucible, and this woman’s story reveals how her husband’s lie deepened its strain. Exhausted from pregnancy and an emergency C-section, she faced his resentment over basic tasks and a fake fainting story meant to shift focus to him. His annoyance at her fatigue and newborn demands—coupled with his need for sympathy—signals emotional immaturity, leaving her unsupported when she needed him most.

The husband’s behavior, from resenting her pregnancy exhaustion to faking a faint, reflects a struggle to cope with fatherhood’s demands. His fixation on “men’s experiences” podcasts suggests he felt sidelined, but lying to gain attention was a betrayal. As psychologist Dr. John Gottman notes, “Trust is built in small moments of attunement” . His failure to attune—dismissing her needs as laziness—eroded that trust.

This mirrors a broader issue: new parents’ emotional disconnect. A 2023 study by the American Psychological Association found 67% of new parents report partner conflicts over unmet expectations . His inability to research baby baths or support her at appointments highlights a gap in partnership. Counseling could help, but her plan to exclude him from future births protects her emotional space.

Moving forward, couples therapy, like that offered by Relate, could rebuild communication. Solo therapy for her, as Reddit suggests, can clarify her needs. His remorse is a start, but consistent actions—like sharing newborn duties—must follow. Her instinct to prioritize her well-being is a step toward healing their bond or redefining it.

Here’s what Redditors had to say:

Reddit’s community rallied behind the woman, slamming her husband’s lie as selfish and his lack of support as unacceptable. Many saw his resentment and refusal to learn basic parenting tasks—like bathing the baby—as signs of immaturity, urging her to rethink having another child with him. His need for sympathy during her grueling recovery was called out as narcissistic, with some suggesting divorce.

Others empathized with her conflict, noting her love for him but stressing that his actions—lying, complaining, neglecting duties—don’t match her praise of his sweetness. The consensus pushed for counseling, both couples and solo, to address his behavior and her low expectations. The community’s blunt advice reflected a call for her to prioritize her emotional health.

This birth saga lays bare the pain of a partner’s betrayal when support matters most. The woman’s hurt over her husband’s lie and lack of care clashes with his remorse, leaving their marriage at a crossroads.

It’s a reminder that love requires action, not just intent. Have you ever faced a partner’s letdown during a life-changing moment? Share your experiences below—let’s keep the conversation going.