There’s nothing quite like welcoming your child into the world, and while the experience is very intense for mothers who are giving birth, it is still powerful for fathers to witness as well.

Any father who has watched his wife give birth knows the rush of emotions that come with seeing his child be born. A series of photos have gone viral showing a father sobbing as his wife give birth, but he has just spoken out to reveal the surprising reason he was actually crying.

The couple’s birthing photographer Kirstie Perez captured the emotional moment on her camera, and she later talked to the father about the moment he burst into tears. When he told her the real reason why he was crying, Kirstie knew she had to take to social media to share it with the world.

Here’s what Kirstie had to say:

“He helplessly watched his wife vomit profusely for 285+ days. He witnessed her lose 30 pounds in pregnancy not being able to nourish herself due to Hyperemesis Gravidarum & preeclampsia.

She was hospitalized 4 times for dehydration throughout her pregnancy. Ate more dinners on the front steps of their home than he could count because any scent literally made her ill.

After months of simply being there for her as much as possible, he supported her during birth. I told him I captured him crying seeing his son and he said, ‘That’s not why I was crying.'”

“Puzzled, I asked what he meant.

He teared up again and said, ‘This is the first time I have seen her smile in 10 months.’

Men, please understand how powerful your empathy can be.

To all of the mothers who have traumatic pregnancies and still find a way to smile… thank you for sacrificing yourself and enduring to bring your precious child into the world. That is no easy feat.”

We wish this beautiful little family the best of luck! SHARE this story so your friends and family can see this as well!