Aitah for telling my boyfriend he doesn’t get a say in this part of my pregnancy?

I’m 23 and 5 months pregnant, and while my boyfriend eventually decided he wanted to be involved in our baby’s life, his insistence on dictating my birth plan crossed a line. Despite his initial distance and later attempts to support me, he’s been pushing for a completely natural birth, disregarding my research and medical advice about options like an epidural or water birth.

When he claimed he knew what was best for the baby, I finally told him he doesn’t get a say in this decision. Now, although my parents back my decision, his angry reactions and his parents’ disapproval have left me questioning if I overstepped or did the right thing.

‘Aitah for telling my boyfriend he doesn’t get a say in this part of my pregnancy?’

Medical professionals and relationship experts agree that a woman’s birth plan is a deeply personal decision that should be respected by her partner and family. Dr. Samantha Hayes, an obstetrician and advocate for patient autonomy, emphasizes, “Pregnancy and childbirth are uniquely personal experiences. While support from a partner is crucial, the decisions regarding pain management and the method of delivery must ultimately align with the expectant mother’s comfort and medical advice.” (read more at healthline.com).

Similarly, relationship counselor Dr. Martin Lewis points out that “When one partner tries to control a decision that affects the other’s body and well-being, it creates an imbalance of power that can lead to resentment and emotional distress.

It’s essential for both partners to respect individual autonomy, especially in areas as personal as childbirth.” My boyfriend’s persistent pressure to choose a natural birth not only undermined my decision-making but also disregarded my right to feel safe and supported during labor. Establishing firm boundaries in these situations is crucial, as it ensures that the medical and emotional needs of the pregnant partner remain the top priority.

Check out how the community responded:

Here are some hot takes from the Reddit community – candid and unfiltered. Many commenters agree that I was entirely justified in drawing a line, emphasizing that my body, my choice, should never be dictated by anyone else.

One user remarked, “If he can’t support your decision on how you want to bring your baby into the world, then he can get out of the way.” Others noted that a partner who insists on making medical decisions for you is not truly supportive. The consensus is clear: your birth plan is not up for debate, and your well-being must come first.

In conclusion, while it’s understandable that my boyfriend wants to be involved in our baby’s life, his insistence on dictating how I should give birth crosses a boundary that I’m not willing to compromise. This decision is about protecting my autonomy and ensuring that I have the support needed during one of the most critical moments of my life.

I’d love to know: Have you ever faced a situation where someone tried to control a personal decision? How did you handle it, and do you think I was justified in standing my ground? Share your thoughts and experiences.