A labour and delivery nurse has gone viral after detailing the common behaviours by men in the delivery room that give her 'the ick', highlighting a range of irritations that can undermine the birthing experience. Nurse Kim, who shares content on TikTok under the handle @nursekimwellness, compiled a list of the top five blunders she frequently observes from partners of women in labour, presenting them in reverse order to emphasise the worst offences.
The Top Five Delivery Room Irritations
Number Five: The Gamer Dad
Kim began with what she termed the 'gamer dad'. She described this as the partner who, immediately upon arrival at the hospital, prioritises setting up entertainment over supporting the mother. 'Right when we get into the hospital, the mom's getting situated—she's peeing in cups, getting checked, having IVs inserted, and blood drawn—and he's asking how to hook his Xbox up to the TV,' Kim explained. She expressed disbelief, questioning why anyone would play video games during such a critical time and urging partners to instead assist and make themselves useful.
Number Four: The Answer Man
Next on the list was the 'Answer Man'. Kim pointed out that this partner habitually responds to medical questions directed at the mother. 'I'm asking how she is doing, if she wants pain relief, or her thoughts on procedures, and he answers,' she said. Kim stressed that childbirth is the mother's experience, and she is fully capable of speaking for herself, making such interruptions disrespectful and unhelpful.
Number Three: The High Dad
Kim then addressed one of the more shocking habits: partners who get high during labour. She noted that these individuals often excuse themselves briefly, only to return visibly intoxicated. 'We can see it from a mile away, and smell it too, because the unit ends up reeking of cannabis and cheap cologne,' she quipped, emphasising that this behaviour is both obvious and inappropriate in a medical setting.
Number Two: The Phone-Obsessed Partner
Nearing the top of the list, Kim criticised partners who are constantly on their phones. She compared it to a loud business meeting that disrupts the mother's need for calm. 'If you're gonna be loud and on the phone while she's trying to relax, maybe take it outside,' she declared, suggesting that such distractions should be removed from the delivery room to maintain a supportive environment.
Number One: Over-Sexualising the Process
Kim revealed her biggest and most common grievance: men who over-sexualise everything during labour and delivery. 'It's disgusting. You're giving creepy guy vibes,' she shared, citing examples like making inappropriate comments during medical checks or breastfeeding. She urged partners to respect the seriousness and intimacy of the moment without turning it into something vulgar.
Honourable Mentions
In addition to the top five, Kim gave honourable mentions to other irritating behaviours. These included partners who eat excessively while the mother is in labour, those who fail to manage visitors so the new mom can rest, and men who flirt with nurses during the process. 'It is so inappropriate,' she concluded, reinforcing the need for respectful and focused support in the delivery room.
Overall, Nurse Kim's insights serve as a stark reminder for partners to prioritise empathy and assistance during childbirth, avoiding actions that can detract from the mother's comfort and dignity.
