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Pregnancyis a struggle for many women.
And once they finally reach the biggest hurdlelaborthey need all of the support they can get.
We were both ecstatic when we found out we were expecting our first child.
Pregnancy was tough for me, thoughI had severe morning sickness, gestational diabetes, and was generally miserable.
But Jake was supportive and sweet the whole way through, which made it bearable.
As we got closer to my due date, we discussed birth plans.
I was adamant that I wanted Jake in the delivery room.
I needed his support, and hed always agreed.
However, a few weeks before my due date, Jake started acting strange.
He was distant, distracted, and wouldnt engage in any baby-related discussions.
I thought he was just anxious about becoming a dad, so I didnt press him too much.
The day I went into labor, Jake drove me to the hospital but seemed off.
He was quiet and kept checking his phone.
When we got there, he pulled the nurse aside and spoke to her privately.
Hed never mentioned this before.
Jake said hed be in the waiting room and kissed me on the forehead before leaving.
I was left alone, crying and feeling utterly abandoned.
Labor was long, painful, and traumatic.
I was alone the entire time except for the medical staff.
When our son was finally born, I was exhausted, emotionally and physically.
After I was taken to a recovery room, I asked the nurse to get Jake.
She came back and said hed left the hospital hours ago.
I couldnt believe it.
I called him repeatedly, but he didnt answer.
Finally, I sent him a text saying I was done and he could find his own way home.
I didnt see him until the next day.
He showed up at the hospital with flowers and an apology, saying hed panicked and needed some air.
I told him I didnt believe him.
He kept apologizing, saying he knew hed messed up and hed do anything to make it right.
I didnt want him near me or our son at that moment, so I asked him to leave.
He tried to protest, but I told him I needed time to process everything.
Hes been taking parenting classes, attending therapy, and is constantly trying to be present and supportive.
But I cant shake the feeling of betrayal.
He abandoned me at one of the most vulnerable moments of my life.
My family is split.
Some think Im being too hard on Jake, that he made a mistake and is clearly remorseful.
Others think what he did was unforgivable and I should leave him.
They believe Ill never truly trust him again, and thats no foundation for a marriage.
I do still love him, and I know he loves me and our son.
But part of me wonders if Ill ever get over this.
So, AITA for leaving him at the hospital and now considering leaving him for good?
In fact, about half of all pregnant women in the United States worry about their labors.
What matters most is that shes not alone.
Birth is difficult and vulnerable.
The birthing person needs to feel safe and supported.
They need to communicate that, Rebecca says.
But this situation will likely require more than some flowers and an apology.
He will need to hear and understand her pain, the expert noted.
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