Giving birth alone

[FrustratedMod]

Is it OK to give birth alone in hospital, ie without a birthing partner? I am splitting from DH and really don't want him there as it will cause me a lot of stress, and to be honest I really don't want anyone else there. I am pretty self sufficient and think I will go into myself anyway. I'm just wondering if the hospital will frown upon this?

Of course its OK! No one is going to frown upon you or judge you.

But, I am worried that you may be left alone for long periods. Thats fine if you're alright being on your own, but its good to have some company, if only to hold your hand. I'm sure the mw's will do their best to support you on the day, but they may be extremely busy and also its hard to hold your hand whilst catching a baby. Is there no-one you ask to be with you?

Agree with pp. Of course you can give birth alone, but if you have a friend who could come you might be grateful of the support. However, if you really have no one you would feel comfortable asking or want there then this is probably the best option for you. Hope it all goes well.

If there's no one you know who you want to be there what about a doula? Then you have the advantage of support and company when you want it and the ability to ask them to leave you alone if you don't want them. Midwives will try hard to be with you but realistically labour could take hours and there won't be someone there the whole time.

But no one will look down on you, for sure.

Sorry to hear that you are splitting from you DH. It is perfectly ok to give birth with alone. If you can, try to give birth in a MW led unit as they may give you more more support. I gave birth at ours and had one MW with me constantly at each birth. Would a homebirth be an option either? That way you will have the comfort of your own home and 2 MWs with you throughout.

With my first DC I actually sent DH out as he was really getting on my nerves and he only came in when DS has out.

Like JJJ, my birthing partners didn't make it to the end. They were also a bit unsuitable, I think MW was aware and gave me quite a lot of support. I clearly remember whining, "Where is she, I neeeeeeeed her," when she had stepped out for a while. I would do it alone with Radio 4 if I had to again.

Might a doula be an option? If money is an issue Doula UK have an access fund and mentored doulas, towards the beginnings of their careers, will charge around £200 or less...
See www.doula.org.uk
You'd then get some support before and after the birth too.

Do you have a really good female friend or a sister or mum who might be willing to be there with you? I second home birth suggestions assuming you're fit and well- at least you are entirely in your own surroundings and you have at least one midwife with you for the actual birth even if they do come and go earlier in the labour.

Otherwise I can't see that being on you own in hospital would be a problem. The staff might make more of a fuss of you to compensate!