Who do you normally have in the room when you give birth?

[nousername123]

Hey, the subject was recently brought up about who will be in the room with me when I give birth. I just assumed it would be me and my partner. My mum is the best mum ever and very supportive, she hasn’t actually said she wants to come in the room but I can tell she does, my partner thinks it should just be him. I don’t particularly want an audience but I’m not sure what to do? I don’t want to upset either of them as theyre both amazing to me. What are others experiences?x

I don't understand why there should be anyone with a woman who gives birth, besides the medical staff. I don't even understand why the father has to be present. I suspect loads of men secretly wish they didn't have to attend but I feel that nowadays it is expected of them so they feel pressurised and just attend so they won't be criticised.
Giving birth is a very private thing and makes a woman vulnerable in many ways. And it is not a pretty sight. Why most women insist of other people seeing them in this state is beyond me.

Guilty, because I wanted my dh with me. I wanted him there. End of.

And did he want to be there too, StepAwayFromCake ?

It has to be your choice and what you think is best for you.
Personally I only wanted my husband there because I think it should be something just me and him do on our own.

I just had dh (and medical people) at my births. Although mil, fil and ds2 kept me company for the early part of my labour with ds3. Not sure if that counts though.

Yes, he did. He wanted to be present at his child's birth and he wanted to support me, but it was very clear to him that his 'wants' were secondary to mine.