At some point in your pregnancy, you will need to decide who will be joining you in the delivery room. Some women like a lot of support and believe birth is a family event that should be shared. Women with this belief like more than just their partners in the room.
There are some benefits to having family present in the delivery room. If you are the kind of person who draws support from family and close friends, you may like company during labor. Giving birth surrounded by love and support can be a beautiful way to welcome a baby into this world.
There are benefits for the father as well. This is especially true if he is a first time daddy and is nervous about the birth. A mother, sister or best friend can help coach the laboring mother and take the pressure off the partner.
If you want family in the room, talk to your health care provider as soon as possible. Find out the rules and possible restrictions for labor. Some hospitals are much more flexible than others and will allow several people to be present in the room. Others are more conservative and have a limit on the number of people in the room.
Will some of the people in the room be children? You will need to clear this with your health care provider or the facility where you are having your baby. More hospitals are open to children being part of the experience.
If your children will be present, be sure there is an adult assigned to supervise them. This should not be daddy, since he will need to have his attention on mommy and the birth of the new baby. A grandmother, aunt or uncle is a good choice for help with older kids. If the kids get bored or upset, the adult can take them downstairs for ice cream or go for a walk with them.
If you don’t like the policy of your doctor, midwife, or hospital, consider your options. The most important thing is that you have the birth experience that you want. If you can’t get it at one facility, try another. Keep in mind that birthing centers are often more flexible about family in the room.
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