home birth and unscheduled visitors

[lightsandshapes]

Hi! Am planning a home birth and our house tends to be quite 'public' if you know what I mean. We live by the beach and friends and neighbours pop by unanounced. It's that kind of house (formally DPs batchellor pad and still carries that vibe). I am paranoid this will happen when I'm in labour - and if it's a long labour not having privacy. We don't have a door that locks properly [hblush] and people tend to just drop in. However, I want it to be very private when I'm in labour - any ideas? I something on TV where they had put a sign on the front door sayng 'no enrty - birth team only', which is a good ideas, but think this may attract attention - especially from passers by!

[PotteringAlong]

Get a proper lock! :0

[Flisspaps]

Can you fit a chain to the door, or a lock that actually works?

You'll probably need one or t'other when your bump is actually a rather nosy toddler who can do a Houdini act without you realising anyway...

[Faggotsnpeas]

I would definately get that lock sorted!!

[effingwotnots]

Get a lock

Get a sign

Voila

[ShowOfHands]

One day you'll be struggling with a baby who's constantly latched on, boob flopped out, waddling to the loo with the baby still in situ, unable to lock the bathroom door due to still feeding baby, trousers stuck round ankles, arse a-waving, nipple exposed as the baby latches off for a look round and one of these people will 'pop in'. It's a problem that won't go away. Get a decent lock.

[feetheart]

Was due around Halloween with DS and was worried about same sort of thing - discreet sign was suggested though was also tempted to just open door, clutch belly and SCREAM :o

I'd agree with others - lock fixed, small sign and tell friends beforehand that dropping in will not be appropriate.
After the birth make sure EVERYONE who walks through the door is given a job - make a list now :)
Good luck