Adapted from Newsweek article, “Dad Shares ‘Unpopular Opinion’ on Where Men Should Be During Births” Originally published March 28, 2025 By Daniella Gray

A father of five has gone viral for sharing his unpopular opinion for dads to be.

Myer Krah II, based in Atlanta, Georgia, urged fellow dads to watch their wives give birth, despite longstanding advice to not go on the other side of the curtain. Krah II shared his perspective in a reel on Instagram (@here4thedads), admitting that he once followed the traditional advice to keep his distance. But during his fourth child’s birth, he chose to experience it differently, which changed everything.

The 31-year-old said that his perspective isn’t common, largely because of how fathers are positioned during pregnancy and childbirth. “In the medical space, especially during pregnancy and childbirth, fathers are often treated more like bystanders than participants,” he told Newsweek. “From the nine months of pregnancy all the way to delivery, dads can feel like they’re in the passenger seat, just there to support rather than to be fully involved.”

Krah II believes many dads are also hesitant due to fear, squeamishness, or concerns about intimacy after birth. But for him, the experience was eye-opening: “All I could focus on was my wife’s strength and the beauty of the miracle that is childbirth.”

Before this experience, he thought he had done his part just by being present in the delivery room. But watching the birth firsthand gave him a newfound appreciation for his wife, medical staff and the postpartum journey.

“This time, something just hit differently. I realized how much mothers give, and I felt disappointed in myself for missing so many chances to show up better, not just for my wife, but for other moms too,” he said.

The dad’s clip takes an emotional turn as he reflected on the weight of the moment.

“People say they’d lay down their lives for their kids, but I’ve watched my wife do it, physically, four times already,” he said. “To me, that’s nothing short of superhero status.” The clip, which amassed 5.2 million views, garnered a positive response online from fellow parents.

“By opening up new options for paternal involvement, we are shifting the narrative to acknowledge that dad can play a crucial role as advocates, emotional pillars, and engaged partners,” she said. “Whether it’s through hands-on support, participating in decision-making, or simply being emotionally present, dads have the opportunity to shape a positive birth experience for both themselves and their partners.”

For dads who are nervous to see their partner give birth, Davies said knowledge is key. “Take a childbirth class together or do some research on what to expect. Knowing what’s happening at each stage of labor can help you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed,” she said.

Davis also assured that dads don’t need to have all the answers and simply being present will bring great comfort to their partner. “Just being there, holding her hand, offering encouragement, or simply reminding her she’s doing amazing can mean the world,” she said. For Krah II, he hopes to bring about change and encourages other dads to be curious when the time comes. “If we can shift the narrative around fatherhood, we can better support each other in all the ways that truly matter,” he said.