Woman Backed For Introducing Newborn to Her Mother When Husband Missed Birth in Viral Post

A woman took to Reddit's "Am I the A**hole" when her husband, who missed the birth of their son, became angry with her after he discovered her mother met their child before he did.

Redditor u/Depressed-Side3077 wrote in her post, which received more than 12,000 votes, that her husband traveled out of town for work. She explained they live closer to his family and he told her they can help her with the baby if needed.

"He then made me promise that I don't let anyone see our son for the first time in person before him besides his stepmom who was supposed to be there for me and I agreed," she wrote.

When the Redditor went into labor, she said her husband's stepmother was with her but once she settled back home with her son, she asked that she only call if there is an emergency. Feeling overwhelmed, u/Depressed-Side3077 wrote that she called and asked her mother to help, which she did.

The first few days after bringing a baby into the world is often exciting but can prove to be difficult for new parents. A piece published with Care.com outlined the different things a new parent can use help with.

Providing meals, helping with housework and encouraging self-care were just some of the ways someone can help a new parent.

"Even if the baby arrives according to plan, the transition at home can still feel chaotic," the piece reads.

The Redditor noted that she spoke with her husband while he was away and he knew his stepmother did not stay with her, but she did not tell him that her mother stayed with her to help. She said she didn't tell him because she suspected he would react negatively and chose to wait until he got home to discuss it.

"Once he saw my mom he got so upset repeatedly saying I broke the promise that I made him by not letting others meet our son before him and I explained that I needed help and he brought up his stepmom but I replied that she dropped me off and left that's it," u/Depressed-Side3077 wrote.

She said she did not understand why he was upset and claimed he and her mother were on good terms. He told her that she broke the promise she made to him. When the Redditor told him that he was overreacting, he told her that the memory of his son's birth is "tainted."

"He keeps acting cold towards me calling me a selfish promise breaker and expecting me to make it up to him," u/Depressed-Side3077 wrote. "He wanted an apology but I haven't given him that yet."

Commenters overwhelmingly sided with the new mom and shared their disdain for her husband's behavior.

"He prevented you from organizing help for yourself. He didn't come home after the [birth]. My SO would be single and I mean that," the top comment with more than 28,000 votes reads.

One wrote that her husband should have been with her in the delivery room to begin with, but he should have left his trip once he learned his stepmother wasn't helping.

Some wrote it was an unfair promise the Redditor was expected to keep and suggested her husband may be demonstrating abusive behavior.

"She was the one pushing a human being out of her body—she needed support and help, and instead of doing everything he could to make sure she was supported when he couldn't be there, he cut her off from all the support and dictated what she could and couldn't do," one comment stated.

"You picked a husband who has shown in your greatest time of need that he will put himself before you," another Reddit user wrote. "I just hope you have the strength not to allow him to belittle you and chip away at your self-worth."