In a surprising Reddit post, a woman asked for advice after accidentally giving birth on her friend’s sofa during a girls’ night in. The new mom’s friend, however, was less than thrilled about the ordeal. Now, the mom is struggling to find a way to fix their fractured friendship.
A Girls’ Night Turned Eventful
What was meant to be a casual movie night at Ella’s house quickly took an unexpected turn. The poster, who was 36 weeks pregnant, began experiencing discomfort that escalated into labor.
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“I went from discomfort to active labor in a short time,” she wrote. Unable to move, EMTs were called, and she delivered her baby right there on the sofa.
Supportive Friends — Except One
The mom was surrounded by her friends, who offered emotional support during the chaotic moment. However, Ella, the host, had to leave the room.
“But when the EMT’s came they did ask most of them to leave,” the mom explained, adding that she only asked Grace, a nurse, to stay with her during the birth. Ella’s departure didn’t sit well with her.
The Aftermath: A Cold Reception
In the weeks following the birth, everything seemed fine — except for Ella. “She’s the only one who hasn’t come by. When I apologised and thanked her, she sent me a bill for the sofa,” the poster revealed. The bill wasn’t the issue for the new mom, but Ella’s distance and coldness certainly were. “It still felt kinda… harsh.”
The Sofa Situation: Reddit Weighs In
Commenters on Reddit were quick to chime in, and many focused on the couch. One pointed out, “Now that you’ve given birth you know how messy it is. It’s like a freaking crime scene. No one wants to sit on a couch where someone gives birth.” Another echoed the sentiment, writing, “I’m surprised you didn’t offer to pay for the sofa after the fact.”
Why Ella Was So Upset
While the sofa seemed to be a primary issue, Ella’s disappointment went beyond that. She was upset about being asked to leave during the birth. The mom noted, “Sarah and some of the others said she was upset I… sent her outside.” Ella had asked months earlier if she could be present during the birth, but the mom had already decided only her partner would be there.
Friends Taking Sides
This situation created some tension in the friend group. Sarah apparently told Ella, “It’s not about you now,” when asking her to leave the room during the birth. Ella, however, felt hurt and excluded, especially since it was her house. The new mom admitted, “I don’t remember this part,” but it seems to have really bothered her.
An Emotional Rollercoaster
The new mom felt caught between her own panic during labor and Ella’s hurt feelings. She expressed guilt over how things turned out but didn’t know how to resolve it. “I feel guilty, my wife says I shouldn’t,” she wrote. Ella’s refusal to speak to her or the other girls made things even more complicated.
What Reddit Suggested
The comments section was filled with advice, and many felt the mom should take quick action. “Pay for the sofa asap with a nice note and flowers,” one person recommended, “and give her time.”
Others agreed that Ella’s feelings were valid but could be mended with a gesture of goodwill. As one commenter put it, “you couldn’t control when you went into labor, but it is on you to pay for her couch.”
The Way Forward: Fixing the Friendship
In an update, the mom shared her plan to resolve the situation. “I’m going to try & reach out again, pay her back everything (as I should!) and try and resolve this somehow,” she explained. She doesn’t think the issue is just about the sofa anymore, but she hopes a sincere effort will help her friend see she wants to make things better.
Time to Mend Fences!
At the end of the day, unexpected situations — like giving birth on a friend’s couch — can strain even the best of friendships.
While the new mom is committed to making amends, Reddit’s advice is clear: take responsibility for the damage, offer a heartfelt apology, and give Ella time to heal from the emotional fallout of being sidelined during such a major event in her own home.
