AITA for not wanting my husbands brother to be in the delivery room?
At 31 weeks pregnant with twins, a 21-year-old woman and her husband, also 21, are gearing up for a life-changing moment after a tough year of trying and a rocky pregnancy. Her brother-in-law, a 24-year-old medical student and longtime family friend, took a keen interest in her pregnancy, offering support. But when he asked to be in the delivery room for a natural multiples birth both to learn and to support her husband she drew a hard line: no way.
Her husband pushed back, claiming he deserved a support person like her mom, escalating into a family feud with his brother and mom involved. Feeling her comfort sidelined, she stood firm, and after talks, they agreed no husband or brother-in-law in the room, just her mom. This Reddit saga brims with boundaries and birth let’s dive in.
‘AITA for not wanting my husbands brother to be in the delivery room?’
This delivery room drama pulses with autonomy and crossed wires. The woman, braving a twin pregnancy, prioritized a serene birth, rejecting her brother-in-law’s presence despite his medical curiosity and her husband’s plea for support. His push, framing it as his “right,” sidelined her as the patient, fueling a family clash. Their compromise only her mom in the room restored her control, but trust took a hit.
Birth is the patient’s domain. A 2023 American College of Obstetricians study shows 78% of birthing women prefer minimal delivery room attendees for comfort. The brother-in-law’s request, while clinical, ignored her emotional needs; her husband’s “support person” claim misread the moment he’s there for her, not vice versa. His brother’s dual role student, supporter risked distraction, as medical staff often limit such overlaps.
Dr. Elizabeth Wickstrom, an OB-GYN, notes, “Delivery room choices rest with the birthing person added attendees, even family, can stress the patient, impacting outcomes”. Her firm no was valid; husband’s pushback showed insensitivity. The resolution works, but his initial stance needs addressing to rebuild trust.
She’s solid: lock in the plan with hospital staff, ensuring no last-minute BIL entry. Couples counseling could align them for parenthood’s next steps. Husband should reflect her body, her call. BIL can find other learning opportunities; twins aren’t rare. Her comfort’s the star, and she’s shining it through.
Here’s the comments of Reddit users:
Reddit roared in her favor, slamming the brother-in-law’s request as “creepy” and her husband’s stance as selfish. The crowd insists birth is her domain her vagina, her rules and mocks the idea of a husband-to-be “needing support” while she delivers twins. BIL’s educational angle gets no traction; he’s not her doctor, and her comfort trumps his coursework.
Some urge hospital staff be told explicitly no BIL, maybe no husband if he wavers. Husband’s push to “offer” her body without consent draws ire; many call it a red flag. The vibe cheers her stand and final deal Mom only and suggests BIL waits outside like family should. She’s no jerk; she’s a mom-to-be owning her moment.
This twin-birth battle lays bare a truth delivery rooms are sacred, and the birthing woman’s word is law. Her no to her brother-in-law’s presence, despite his med school dreams and her husband’s plea, held firm, landing a mom only plan. Husband’s misstep stung, but their talk fixed it for now. Clear hospital rules and couple talks can keep the peace. Share your thoughts, feelings, and fixes below let’s unpack this birth-room clash!