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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Disagree with husband about childbirth

654 replies

soshnomore · 11/12/2019 10:34

So I'm not pregnant but hoping to be in the next few months. I have previously told OH I would ideally like a water birth, which he was totally against. He is very much of the opinion that a 'normal birth on land' has worked for 1000s of years so why should I want to do something different.
Last night I brought it up again after reading a study that showed water births can decrease tearing and generally improve a mother's wellbeing during childbirth.
He believes that the more pain you go through, the better your bond with your baby, and cites statistics about mothers who have c-sections being more likely to develop PTSD or PND.
It's like debating with a child. He doesn't listen to my point of view or really take my feelings into consideration at all in the situation.
"I'd rather we find a woman who will carry your egg and give a normal birth than choosing to "lay my eggs in water when they should be laid in a nest"."
I mean come on... He basically said if I had a water birth he would never forgive me.
I've said we can speak to a doctor or a midwife and seek their advice but he is dead set against it and has "had his last word on it".
Am I being unreasonable to think that ultimately the way I give birth is my decision, and he should have more consideration for how I will feel in this whole thing?

OP posts:
FabbyChix · 11/12/2019 12:11

I don’t think it’s I’ll informed I think it’s as simple as religion. That’s then going to impact on your child’s upbringing - have you spoke about that. Having a boy teaching him women arent equal etc

cupoftea84 · 11/12/2019 12:11

How are you going to deal with him imposing such views on your child? If it's a girl what do you imagine he'll be like? If it's a boy will he teach him to be like that to his own partner?

Do you want to do that to your child?

Where do you both stand on circumsision for example or religious education?

1Wildheartsease · 11/12/2019 12:11

It isn' t just that his strongly held opinions on this are wrong.

It is that he isn't willing to listen to you - and this on a matter that is all about your body. That is serious as a red flag. It will lead to future trouble for you.

Perhaps even worse, he is happily contemplating you being in as much pain as possible - for the sake of his unknown future child. How can he put someone he does not know ahead of his (much loved) wife? This is a very worrying attitude to you and does suggest that your relationship is not one of equal feelings. Another huge crimson flag!

LoafEater · 11/12/2019 12:12

Dont have children with this man. Not only because of the many many reasons stated here by others, but also because he is a total half wit who may pass on his total lack of intellect and empathy to your offspring.

user1471449295 · 11/12/2019 12:12

To be honest I think breeding with this disgusting man is cruel on your children. You know he will ruin them as people right? He’ll fuck them up.
The quicker men with this ‘traditional’ misogynistic and dangerous view die out, the better the world will be.
I must say I’m a bit Confused that you see it as ok inflict this arsehole on defenceless children. If you want to put up with him that’s your choice. Kids don’t have a choice

NotTheMrMenAgain · 11/12/2019 12:13

OMG - I haven't read the full thread, but speaking as someone who developed PTSD after a hugely painful and traumatic 46 hour labour, DO NOT breed with this utter arsehole of a man.

SVRT19674 · 11/12/2019 12:13

Why would you want to have children with this guy. He can have child with said surrogate mother if he wishes, you find yourself a nicer guy to father yours.

Whatnameisgood · 11/12/2019 12:13

Oh my goodness, I actually feel sick and upset that a man thinks he can dictate to you in this way in this most personal of decisions. FWIW (not much!) I’m a massive fan of vaginal delivery, and believe that a home birth where a woman is relaxed and peaceful is most conducive to this. HOWEVER, if someone else feels most comfortable and safe in a hospital THAT is the best place for THEM. Relaxed, confident mother = best chance for a good delivery. But who knows, anything can happen. You poor, poor thing, having been brainwashed that any man is allowed to have ‘the last word’ in how you give birth. I am so angry for you

olivertwistwantsmore · 11/12/2019 12:15

he believes that the more pain you go through, the better your bond with your baby

Great. If you're ever daft enough to get pg with this man you can hit hinm over the head with a book every 2 mins when you're in labour and tell him it will help him to bond with the baby. Hmm What a stupid fucking comment. Women who have more pain in labour are more likely to suffer flashbacks, PTSD, and never want to have another baby.

He doesn't listen to my point of view or really take my feelings into consideration at all in the situation. "I'd rather we find a woman who will carry your egg and give a normal birth than choosing to "lay my eggs in water when they should be laid in a nest"."

Is he joking? Or just insane? You're not laying a fucking egg, it's a baby.

Honestly, he sounds too stupid to talk to, never mind have sex with.

bluebluezoo · 11/12/2019 12:16

Dont have children with this man. Not only because of the many many reasons stated here by others, but also because he is a total half wit who may pass on his total lack of intellect and empathy to your offspring

This. I've never read anything as stupid. Can you have any sort of intelligent conversation with this man?

What sort of idiotic ideas does he have about actual children?

Soubriquet · 11/12/2019 12:16

I was in agony giving birth to my first born and tore pretty badly.

It affected how I bonded as I was so traumatised. It took me weeks to bond.

So no pain doesn’t improve bonding at all

FloreanFortescue · 11/12/2019 12:16

Jesus Christ. Words completely fail me.

Except PRICK.

fruitbrewhaha · 11/12/2019 12:16

He doesn't love you OP.

lottiegarbanzo · 11/12/2019 12:16

Yeah, it's easy to love bastards. So romantic, tempestuous, passionate etc.

It's quite a different prospect to attempt to settle down and have a family with one.

BlooperReel · 11/12/2019 12:17

Honestly, do not have a baby with this pig of a man.

dontgobaconmyheart · 11/12/2019 12:17

He's a demented misogynist OP, there is no more to it than that. He doesn't love you if he thinks that. I have no idea why you are even listening to him speak about women (you) in this offensive misogynistic manner, let alone hoping out worh him or co contemplating having his child.

Seriously OP, this is life defining stuff. If you have a child with a man like this and acknowledge to him your body is his to direct, and you agree he knows better- it will not end well. His views are extreme and he's vile.

vassdal · 11/12/2019 12:18

I honestly think he is just so ill-informed

Yeah he's just ill-informed. He's just got a few old-fashioned ideas.

He's just a fucking nightmare. That's what he is.

My relative loved her husband too and couldn't leave him - until he started beating her up and then she ended up in a hell of a custody battle over the children, lost a hell of a lot of money in the divorce and ended up with mental health issues.
And her situation started in a similar way to yours.

Illeana · 11/12/2019 12:19

It’s not worth arguing about. You don’t know how your birth will go. If you have complications during pregnancy, go into labour early or your baby isn't positioned head down, they may not let you get in the water. If you don’t dilate fast enough they won’t let you get in the water because it slows it down. If your waters break and the amniotic fluid isn’t clear they’ll make you get out of the water. If everything is fine but you go into labour at a time when all the birthing pools are already in use, you won’t be able to have one. Etc.

HollowTalk · 11/12/2019 12:19

I'm so glad you're not pregnant yet.

Do you really believe that this is the last time he'll try to force you to do what he wants? What about breastfeeding? Weaning? Settling a baby to sleep? You returning to work? You taking all the time off when the child isn't well. You working part-time and not following a career?

You are not well-matched and this will become more and more obvious as you go through family life together.

You can love more than one person, you know. This man isn't right for you.

PresidentBartlett · 11/12/2019 12:19

Thank god your not already pregnant. What an arse!

I discussed with DH my options when pregnant but as he said at the end of the day it's up to me.

He does not get a say in this. He doesn't even have the right to be there let alone try and dictate what you are going to go.

Branleuse · 11/12/2019 12:20

He sounds actually mental. Please have a good think if this is the man you actually want to father your children. It sounds very very controlling, and not even with any basis in reality.
How dare he make those comments to you

frazzledasarock · 11/12/2019 12:20

This is nothing to do with being Muslim.

My friend wanted a home birth she’s Muslim and super religious. Her husband suggested waterbirth to help her he got a jacuzzi bath installed for her.

Actually a lot of my Muslim friends had waterbirths. I wasn’t allowed by my consultant as I was high risk. But would have loved one.

Why are you even considering TTC with this man your marriage isn’t going to last.

nicky7654 · 11/12/2019 12:21

Gosh was you forced into marrying this buffoon?

Ohyesiam · 11/12/2019 12:22

This is one of the most heart sink posts I have ever read.
Op, please don’t consider having children with this man. He will spend his life controlling you and making you miserable, at the very least.

He doesn’t even have any business having an opinion on something he will never go through.

SinkGirl · 11/12/2019 12:22

OP, this is a man who does not believe you have bodily autonomy where his opinion differs from yours.

A man who believes that severe physical pain is beneficial for you, and actually a goal.

Please do not marry this man.

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