Who Should Be Present in the Delivery Room?
The arrival of baby is such a momentous event, that everyone close to the mother and father wants to be there when it happens. While some hospitals, due to aseptic and procedural standards, are strict about the people who can be present when the baby is delivered, others are pretty flexible and allow a few “guests” to witness the birthing. Most facilities allow 2 people in the room with the mother, but what’s one to do when everybody just wants to be there? Here are some tips to consider:
- Follow the hospital standards. So your husband wants to be there. But so does your mother, and your parents-in-law. If the hospital has a strict 2-person in the delivery room rule, use this as a non-offensive exercise. Simply tell them only 2 people are allowed, but they’ll definitely see you and the baby in your hospital room a few hours later.
- Go with your instincts. Labor is a time when a woman goes back to the most instinctive feelings. If you’re given a limit on the number of people who should be with you when you give birth, go with the person who’d really like to be with to share the experience. In a recent poll, more than 95% of women said they wanted to be with their male partners, or the father of the child. The next high percentage revealed that they wanted their mothers in the room with them. Some want their best friend to be there. Whoever you feel you can rely on during labor, call them up.
- Finally, your preferences may still change. Active labor and a great deal of pain can cause you to change your mind. For instance, you may have wanted the entire gang to be with you, but during a big contraction, you screamed at everyone and wanted them all out, expect your husband. You can worry about hurting their feelings later on.
Read more of our articles on labor and delivery
Labor and Delivery - Where Would You Like to Give Birth?
Common Signs for Labor and Delivery
Labor and Delivery - Last Minute Planning and Organization
Laws on Labor and Giving Birth in the USA
Pain Management During Labor
Recognizing True from False Labor
What are the Reasons for Inducing Labor
What is a Birth Plan?
What To Do When The Water Breaks
Recognizing Braxton - Hicks Contractions
Touring the Delivery Room: What to Expect
Have a Musical Labor: Sounds That Soothe
Who Should Be Present in the Delivery Room?
Factors to Consider When Setting the Environment for Labor and Delivery
What is a Dad’s Role during Mom’s Labor and Delivery?
Is Eating Really Discouraged While in Labor?
Using Guided Imagery during Labor and Delivery
This is It: Recognizing The True Signs of Labor
Packing Your Hospital Delivery Bag
Birth Trauma: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
When Your Newborn and You aren’t In Love at First Sight
Myths of Natural Labor Inducing Substances
|
