This Woman Delivered Her Brother When She Was 7, Now He’s Making Jokes About The “Worst Day Of Her Life”

Born in 1962 in a small rural town, one Redditor grew up in an era before ultrasounds and hospital births were the norm. Her mother went into labor at home, with a single midwife handling deliveries for the entire area.

When her mom gave birth to what everyone thought was one baby, the midwife packed up and left — not realizing there was another on the way. That’s when the seven-year-old Redditor found herself alone with her exhausted mother, a newborn, and a second baby about to make a surprise entrance.

Following her mother’s terrified instructions, the child somehow delivered her own baby brother. It was the scariest moment of her life — she thought she might lose both her mom and the newborn.

Fast-forward decades later, and the Redditor was celebrating her 40th wedding anniversary. She was surrounded by family and friends. Everything was going beautifully — until her brother took the mic.

Trying to be funny, he shared the story of his “wild birth” as a cute childhood anecdote. The crowd laughed, touched by what they saw as a heartwarming family tale — but for her, it reopened deep, painful memories she’d long buried.

When her mood shifted, her brother noticed right away and asked what was wrong. She told him the truth — that the story wasn’t funny to her, and that day was actually the worst of her life.

Instead of understanding, he seemed hurt and confused, saying he’d only been trying to honor her. She explained she loved him deeply, but the trauma of that day wasn’t something to be joked about at a celebration.

Would you have said something, or stayed silent for the party’s sake?

Now, the OP is left wondering if she should have stayed quiet for the sake of peace — or if she was right to finally speak up about how deeply that story still affects her.

AI-generated image

Here’s the original post by Reddit user ‘throwaway453199280’

Context: I (F) was born in 1962 in a rural area before ultrasound machines were everywhere, and the nearest town was not that close to us, and babies were born at home and delivered by the same midwife.So, when I was 7, my mother got pregnant with twins and had no idea she was carrying two babies, and the midwife, who had just delivered the first baby and probably did not realize there was one more to come, had to be immediately driven by my father to another farm where she was needed. Which means that, when my mother’s contractions started again, I was then alone in a farm with her and the first newborn baby, and it was up to me to deliver my youngest brother with my mother instructing me. this was hands down the worst and scariest moment of my life because I feared both my mother, and the baby wouldn’t make it. Well, thankfully it all worked out.Now here's what happened: last weekend my husband and I were celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary and we had a party and people were making speeches and talking about us. But when the mic got to my brother (who of course has no firsthand memory of his own birth and only knows what he was told about it), he took the chance to tell this story as if it was a fun anecdote (‘…and then my dad got home and there were two babies instead of one! So funny! Anyone, thanks, sis, for helping me come into this world’). And everybody thought it was fun and sweet but to me it was the opposite. It brought back some memories that are not at all positive to me.My mood completely shifted after that, and I think my brother noticed at once because he came to talk to me afterwards and asked if he had said something wrong. And then I told him this is not a funny story to me and that the day he was born was indeed the worst day of my life, and not something I'd like to think back in a happy moment celebrating my marriage. And he went quiet and then said, ‘Wow, I was trying to honor you, and that’s how you thought of my speech?’.The thing is I wasn’t saying that him being born was a bad thing, I love my brother. It was just that the circumstances of his birth made the occasion traumatic for me and that he should know better than talking about it as a ‘fun fact’ if he had put himself in my shoes. But now I think I should have kept quiet and said nothing, either it bothered me or not.

Childbirth and Family Dynamics

Dr. William Sears, a renowned pediatrician, emphasizes the importance of understanding family dynamics during childbirth. He notes that home births, especially in rural settings, can create unique challenges for siblings and parents alike.

In situations like this, where a child is thrust into the role of caregiver, it can lead to complex emotional responses. The child may feel pride, but also anxiety or confusion, as highlighted in Dr. Sears' writings on family bonding.

It's crucial for families to openly discuss these experiences to foster emotional processing and support healthy relationships.

Here’s how the Reddit community reacted.

Reddit u/ThatInAHat

“It’s been decades.”

Reddit u/Soft-Statistician326

The psychological impact of childhood trauma often manifests in adulthood, as noted by Dr. Brené Brown, a leading researcher on vulnerability and resilience. She explains that early life experiences, such as witnessing a sibling's traumatic birth, can lead to long-term emotional challenges.

These may include issues with trust, anxiety, and self-esteem. Brown advocates for therapeutic practices that emphasize storytelling and emotional validation, encouraging individuals to share their experiences to foster healing and connection.

“You know YTA.”

Reddit u/Far-Season-695

“You could have handled it differently.”

Reddit u/HoneyBadgerHatesYou

“What a blessed life to have lived.”

Reddit u/SCVerde

Strategies for Emotional Support

Experts in family dynamics suggest that fostering open communication is key in these situations. Dr. Ross Greene, a child psychologist known for his work on collaborative problem-solving, recommends creating safe spaces for children to express their feelings.

He advises parents to actively listen, validate their children's emotions, and encourage dialogue about their experiences. This practice not only helps children process trauma but also strengthens the parent-child bond, creating a supportive environment for emotional growth.

“That’s a bit dramatic.”

Reddit u/jrssister

“YTA for how you phrased that.”

Reddit u/koifishyfishy

“How was he supposed to take what you said?”

Reddit u/BlueBumbleb33

Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a happiness researcher, argues that understanding our past experiences is crucial for emotional well-being. He emphasizes the importance of reflection and self-compassion in navigating complex family histories.

In this case, the Redditor might benefit from journaling or therapy to explore her feelings about her brother's birth and the dynamics it created. By processing these emotions, she can foster a sense of empowerment and clarity in her relationships moving forward.

In the end, what seemed like a lighthearted family moment became a reminder of how differently two people can experience the same event. For one sibling, it was an amusing family legend — for the other, a vivid memory of fear and responsibility far too heavy for a child.

It’s a quiet lesson that even stories told with love can reopen old wounds, and that sometimes, the kindest thing we can do is remember the weight of another person’s past before we laugh.

Expert Opinion

This situation highlights how our personal histories shape our responses to shared experiences. While the brother meant to celebrate his sister's role in his birth, he overlooked the trauma she endured, demonstrating a lack of empathy that can occur when individuals don’t fully appreciate differing perspectives. It’s a reminder that even lighthearted anecdotes can carry deep emotional weight for others, and it's crucial to consider how our words might resonate with those around us.

Understanding the Deeper Patterns

The emotional complexities surrounding childbirth, particularly when experienced by a child, can have lasting effects. Research indicates that open communication and emotional validation are essential for healing and growth.

As Dr. Paul Bloom notes, understanding the psychological implications of early traumatic experiences can lead to healthier coping strategies. Families should prioritize creating supportive environments where feelings can be shared and understood. With the right approaches, including therapy and open dialogue, individuals can navigate their past experiences and enhance their emotional resilience for a healthier future.