Labor Room Parties: Who Should Be There? Our Readers Write!
Here at Pregnancy-Info our pregnancy newsletters have been generating a lot of great comments from readers, especially when it comes to who should be present during labor. Do you want your whole family there? Or are you limiting attendance to just your labor coach? Read about other women's ideas when it comes to who should be in the labor room! And feel free to share your own thoughts! Need some more information on labor and birth? Check out Pregnancy-Info's article on labor and delivery.
Tell Us Who's Invited!
Name: jillian • Due Date: 11/01/2006
When my 1st daughter was born 3 years ago, I had my mother, father, mother-in-law, father-in-law, and my husband in the birthing room. I know it sounds a little weird to have my father and father-in-law present, but I can't tell you how glad I am that they were all there to experience it. There was not a dry eye in the room. And I still to this day get thanks from them all for letting them be a part of such a beautiful thing. It's also pretty awesome that my daughter will always know all of her grandparents were there to see here come into this world.
Name: Vicki • Due Date: n/a
Everyone here has said their opinion however I notice young ones said. What is young? I am currently pregnant and am considering having my son there. By my due date he will be 6.
Name: Stephanie • Due Date: n/a
I think that giving birth is a very personal thing. I only want my partner with me. I really do not want everyone looking at me pushing this baby out of me.
Name: Crystal • Due Date: n/a
I'm very excited and I know that our friends and family are too. My mother-in-law keeps saying how "she is going to need a big waiting room, because she's inviting everybody." Personally, I am a little more private when it comes to being in the hospital. Especially, I want to protect my baby from being held too much or passed around too early. I want her and I to get plenty of rest. As far as labor, I don't mind our close family, but I want some alone time with my husband. I want my husband and my mom in the delivery room with me.
Name: Jessica • Due Date: n/a
Hi there! I am just 5 days postpartum of delivering my second child. I actually had my 2 year old daughter involved throughout my entire pregnancy. She attended all of my prenatal appointments, and grew quite closse with my OB as well. She came to the hospital and watched ultrasounds, and anything that had to do with my pregnancy, she was there for.
On Monday, 12-06-04, I left for the hospital, and told her that we might be having the baby today, but mommy wasn't sure. Well, sure enough we did! As soon as I found out that I was indeed in labor, I had my mother bring Alexis (my daughter) up to the hospital. It was the best thing for her.
She got to hear his first cry, and was able to hold him and sit with mommy just hours after birth. I had a repeat Cesarean, so she had to be outside of the OR of course, but she held her ear up to the door to hear his first cry with my mother... she was so excited when she did. I absolutely feel it is crucial in the older sibling's life and wellbeing to be completely involved as much as possible in the pregnancy and preparation for the new baby. Alexis got to pick out new clothes and toys for him and she loved it! And she is very close with him already! I highly reccommend involving your other child(ren). Thanks! Jessica, Traverse City, Michigan
Name: Sherry-Ann • Due Date: n/a
I think the baby's father should be present at the delivery - not the entire family.
