Having both doctor and midwife present in labour when they are relatives

[Sleepyhoglet]

My mum is a midwife and has many years of experience. We don't have a very close relationship and she lives quite a long way away but now I'm pregnant I think our relationship might change. My dh is a doctor. Would it be weird for the hospital staff if I have these two as my birthing partners ( assuming I'm allowed two)? I'm really nervous about the birth - eg worrying about it already and not due till November and feel that having 2 professionals whom I trust will help me to relax. I've heard so many horror stories about long dangerous labours, midwives not recognising breech etc so hope that my mum and dh would look out for me.

They will be used to it.

HCPs are actually human beings, as much of a shock as that may be to some folk on here. Consequently they tend to need to access healthcare in much the same way as any other human being. There's another unfathomable, we can be both virtuous patient and evil HCP We are used to dealing with each other. Really.

Hmm, I am quite petite and managed ok no stitches, despite horror stories, scaring myself silly reading cases, complicated pregnancy, etc

I chose my hospital which helped me feel more in control but it depends on what you have nearby - proximity is safer

remember often you only read the bad stories, the good ones are not going to think about writing a critical review - the most they may do is send a thank you card

of course you can refuse forceps yes you can refuse any bits you don't want but I would urge you to consider optimal safety of yourself and baby before ruling things out

In your position I would not even think about having my mother there, your DH sounds more than able to be supportive without being overbearing. perhaps you can use the remainder of your pregnancy to get a bit closer to your mum again and ask her for all her tips, breathing exercises -etc

yes its normal for doctors to be patients, and act like patients

good luck! congratulations