Birthing partner if you are single

[Elkalv]

What are your thoughts on having birthing partner if now so. I feel on one hand that it's personal event and I would feel shy to invite a friend / relative but on another hand practically it might be useful as someone who can call midwife and bring some food etc?

I feel that having the support there for you will be great! Will keep you busy as it might be a long time!
Find someone you are comfortable with and I'm sure they will feel honoured to be there with you!

Hired a doula; also had my mum and sister around too in the end (had felt funny about it before but really didn't when the time came!).

It was definitely worth hiring a doula in any case because it meant that I had some certainty about somebody who would be with me during labour. Although she wasn't quite the right fit for me (and I'd recommend interviewing closely and going with your gut instinct about the kind of person you'd be comfortable with) it was a good investment.

And yes, it's really helpful to have somebody around to do the small (but really important!) things like getting snacks, water, post-birth stuff etc. Midwives are so busy and also it isn't their job. If you're going to a relatively small hospital you can ask if they do a 'meet the midwives' event or anything, as then you can get to meet some of the people who may be with you in labour.

I also found it really really helpful when close friends volunteered to come round and help me with stuff in the weeks following the birth; maybe welcome their help in ways like that even if you don't feel comfortable having them at the birth? It was such a luxury to have somebody else hold/watch the baby while I went to the loo etc!

I had my mum and auntie. They were fab!

Can you ask a family member? I imagine it would be a bit lonely to go through something so monumental on your own. Plus, as others have said it will be useful to have practical support as well, especially if you end up needing a section. Good luck!

Thanks everyone, I think doula is a very useful suggestion in my case actually to ensure she will be available as well. With friends I won't be 100 % sure as they might have some other commitments like urgent work or something. What are roughly the prices if anyone knows and how do I find one?

I didn't have one.

I think it's very much down to personal choice though, so wouldn't say my way was the best or worst option.

For me, I know I'm a bit of a control freak, and also that I would be preoccupied with putting on a face to anyone else with me - making awkward jokes etc. So even though my mum offered, and my best friend would have, I said from the beginning that it would be just me. Plus a whole load of midwives! Thankfully my son was nice and prompt, and it was only just over 2 hours from admission to birth, so it wasn't like I was pacing and puffing on my own all night.

I had my parents with me. Sat round chatting for hours (epidural) then my dad left the room and waited in the corridor for the ten minutes I was delivering.