'AITA for telling my wife she can’t stop me from being in the delivery room with my sister?'

A man recently posted on Reddit's "Am I The A**hole" (AITA) forum asking if he is in the wrong for telling his wife that there’s nothing inappropriate about being in the delivery room for his sister and that she cannot forbid him from doing so.

The OP's sister requested that he be in the delivery room with her because she was unsure if her husband could handle the situation due to their relationship issues.

The post has garnered considerable attention, with users sharing their thoughts on whether it's appropriate for him to be in his sister's delivery room and offering differing perspectives on the situation, reported Someecards.com.

Wife calls husband's presence in sister's delivery room 'inappropriate'

The OP's sister asked him to be present in the delivery room because she was uncertain if her husband could manage the situation, given the difficulties in their relationship.

He shared, "Last week, my sister asked if I could be in delivery room with her when she gives birth. I was surprised with the request and asked about her husband, and she said she and her husband are going through some issues. She also said her husband freaks out a lot and she wasn’t sure he could handle this. I then asked about our mom, and she said she didn’t want to put any more burden on our mom."

"I asked my sister if she was sure about it, and my sister said I was always her first choice, because growing up, she always felt safe and protected with me and knew nothing could go wrong. She said she would be completely stress free if I was in the room with her. I know pregnancy can be daunting and I told my sister sure, but I wanted to speak to my wife about it. My sister thanked me a lot."

The OP revealed on the forum that he discussed it with his wife who was shocked and felt it was inappropriate for a brother to be in the delivery room with his sister.

"I then spoke to my wife about it, and my wife was shocked with my sister’s request. She said it was completely inappropriate and she’s never once in her life heard of a brother being in the sister’s delivery room. I told my wife there’s nothing inappropriate about it, and my sister is just going through a hard time. Ultimately, all we want is a smooth pregnancy with no complications, and that can happen in a stress free environment," he explained on the forum.

The OP said that he disagrees with his wife’s viewpoint, arguing that it was not inappropriate and that his sister needs emotional support during her difficult pregnancy. Despite his wife being upset, the OP insists that she cannot forbid him from being there for his sister.

Man sparks online debate over wife’s reaction to his desire to be in sister’s delivery room

Several users pointed out the special sibling bond that can exist, with some sharing personal anecdotes about how a sibling’s presence during childbirth brought them comfort and strength.

One user wrote, "NTA, holding your sisters hand while going through a painful and terrifying experience is pretty much the definition of a good brother. Your wife should be so lucky to have a sibling willing to do this and be grateful she has a husband who takes care of his family."

Another wrote, "Your wife’s reaction seems overblown. This isn’t about you violating any boundaries it’s about you supporting your sister in a moment of vulnerability. She’s asked for help, and you’re offering it. There’s no reason for her to dictate what you do for your family, especially when it’s such an important and emotional situation. NTA."

Many emphasized that the sister has the right to choose and feels safe with his brother saying, "NTA. Your sister feels safe with you there, and that's all that should matter."

Another user commented, "NTA. Your sister asked for your support, and it’s her call who she wants in the delivery room. There’s nothing inappropriate about it it’s about making her feel safe and comfortable. Your wife might not agree, but ultimately, it’s not her decision."

One user shared a perspective of being an younger sister, "NTA. Little sister here, and I completely understand why your sister feels that way. (I don’t have problems w/my husband but we don’t have kids bc my medical problems). But that feeling of someone who has always been there for you, who has always protected, loved, cared for you. That’s why she want YOU by her side, holding your hand. Giving her the positive energy and attention. Get your hand gripper strength trainer thing ready and start using it lol bc she will need a strong hand/person next to her. But that’s exactly that’s why she needs you. Not wants.. but needs YOU there. This is a new and probably very scary but exciting experience for your sister, she needs the best support she can get. And you’re one kick ass brother to be picked! Good luck, don’t forget to breathe and have the best time meeting your new niece or nephew."

Another wrote, "That's exactly what I was thinking about his wife. He's not there to watch the birth. He's there because his sister wants someone she feels safe with, someone who's probably always been there for her and like she said, she feels like nothing could go wrong if he's there. Childbirth can be terrifying for some women. I know it was for me the first time, until my sister (younger) walked into the room. I immediately calmed down and took control of my situation because I didn't want to scare her. And in doing that I was actually in control and calm, no longer terrified. This young lady NEEDS her brother in that room."

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