Labor Room Parties: Who Should Be There? Our Readers Write!

Name: Shanda • Due Date: 11/29/2007

When my first child was born, I had tons of people there: both my parents, my step dad, mother in law, sister, sister in law. But I had told them I may want them to leave and I wanted the men especially by my head rather than right in view of everything. But once I was in intense labor and starting to push I didn't care one bit who was there and looking at what. At that point I had tuned out everything around me. I'm glad that everyone was able to experience this wonderful experience with me. I think it helped them all bond with my son very quickly. So for me, anyone who wants to come in can because I know I'll have more important things I'll be thinking about other than who's looking at me naked.

Name: Amber • Due Date: 07/01/2007

I think that whoever the mother feels comfortable with being there should be allowed in. But the father, in my opinion, should always be allowed in if he wants to be there. It does take two people to make a baby after all.

Name: Christina • Due Date: 05/09/2007

I had originally thought it would be my husband and I in the delivery room, but since he's begun to chicken out. My mom would be okay to be in there as long as she's at the head of the bed. I don't need or want anyone who isn't supposed to be looking down there...looking. HOWEVER, my mother in law has hinted that she wants to be part of the crowd...BUT my FATHER in law wants to be there too! That makes me really uncomfortable! I've told my husband that no one else is allowed in the room, his father above all.. I should have known he would want to be there ever since he wanted to join the party when my sister in law (not his daughter, bro in law's wife) had the first grandchild. I was disgusted, although I guess maybe he just wanted to be there for her. Still, there's no way he's allowed in there!!

Name: Marian • Due Date: 11/25/2007

I really had no plan when my first child came. I was single, living with my mom, and I had a good friend as a birthing coach. D-day came and I had: my Mom, my coach, my doctor, an intern, an anaesthesiologist, two L&D nurses, my younger sister and her boyfriend, who was my right leg coach. So that's 9 in my little L&D room for my daughter's birth. Baby number two, my precious son who is now 20 months, I had my 2 docs, my husband, a good female friend, and 2 L&D nurses. So we swiveled it down to 6. I am now 21 wks with twin boys, so I anticipate that with double the babies, there will likely be twice the medical staff, at LEAST!! If you were to ask me if I care, my answer is simple: no. Why should I sweat it? If my children are born healthy, and so far they have been, a few extra soldiers at my back isn't going to bother me. To each their own on this issue, maybe I lack modesty, but now you have my take on it.

Name: Michele • Due Date: 05/28/2007

My dad really wants to be in the room, and I've heard it's an incredible experience for the grandfather (an experience I wouldn't want to take away from him), yet I'm not sure I'll feel comfortable with all my girl parts out for him to see. I am embaressed that my modesty could keep my father from one of the highlights of his life. I'm afraid I may not know what to do until delivery!

Name: JerseyGirl • Due Date: 06/13/2007

I believe that since it was just my husband and I who created this life, it should just be us two in the delivery room welcoming that little person. This doesn't mean that immediate family won't be down the hall in the waiting room, more than welcome to join us minutes after the actual birth. And oh, they will be! Plus, who wants to deal with, "Well she's in there, how come I'm not?"