How to Decide Who Will Attend Your Baby's Birth

A Few Things to Think About Before Giving Birth

By renee, published Feb 14, 2007
Published Content: 2,141  Total Views: 1,896,689  Favorited By: 62 CPs
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Trying to decide who will be present when you give birth can either be a very simple decision or can end up being a very complicated one. Some people choose not to have anyone other than there husband in the room, but more and more people are choosing to have additional family members or friends. Remember that this is a very special occasion and should be treated as such. This is not a decision that should just be made by the mother. After speaking with several doctors and couples who have gone through this decision, I have found that it is very important to make sure that both have a say in who is present during the babies birth. Not only does the mother need support but the father also needs to have support as well. Keep in mind that fathers to be are under just as much stress as mothers are.

One reason why people choose to have additional support during birth is just in case something goes wrong. Unfortunately something can suddenly go wrong, and both the mother and father will need some support during this difficult time. Since this is a decision that should not be made hastily, you should make sure that you give plenty of thought to this decision. You don't want someone in the room who is going to get on your nerves or upset you in any way. You should also keep in mind that in most hospitals and birthing centers the number of visitors is very limited. Therefore you family should understand that you can not have everyone present in the room, and they should respect any decision that you make. Explaining to anyone who is not invited to attend the birth that you would still love to see them after the baby is born. This way they will know that their support is still wanted and needed.

Takeaways
  • One reason why people choose to have additional support during birth is just in case something goes
  • Whoever you decide to invite should have some type of responsibility during the birth.
  • Some parents like for their children to be present at the birth
Did You Know?
After speaking with several doctors and couples who have gone through this decision, I have found that it is very important to make sure that both have a say in who is present during the babies birth.
Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
 
 
I have a big issue ! I'll be having my daughter in June, and I just don't know how to handle the problem I will have with my parents and my real father. Its a very long and messed up, the reason I am so worried. The people I call my parents is my real mothers parents, but they rasied me as thier own ! See.... my real dad shot and killed my real mother when I was a baby ! I know, I want my parents there with me, but I know my real dad will show up, just like he did when I got married. I don't want my parents having to deal with seeing the man who took their daughter away and having them be so tore up at such a special time. Not only will I know it will hurt them, it will me too, because of the fact of being around while my parents are ! I just don't know how to tell my real father that he doesn't need to come !!!! Sorry... I'm just so scared of what could happen.

Posted on 04/10/2008 at 1:04:10 PM

 
It amazes and shocks me that people consider birth to be a group celebration and not an intimate experience for the expectant parents (and/or baby's siblings). I'm sorry for your experience Rebecca, and sadly, I know exactly how you feel.

Posted on 02/19/2007 at 7:02:00 PM

 
Oy! Very good article! I wish I had said more about the people who showed up the millisecond after my son was born.. and then wouldn't leave. I mean, I'm getting my uterus massaged and I have a room full of people who had no idea that I literally JUST gave birth within minutes.

Posted on 02/19/2007 at 7:02:00 PM

 
You mention some good points. I desperately regret not being vocal about who was invited and not invited to my birth, and I suffered as a result of that lack of decisiveness or "mouthiness."

Posted on 02/19/2007 at 2:02:00 PM

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