The Benefits of Limiting Family at Baby's Birthby Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger 24 Apr 2007 08:44 PM In a past blog, I talked about the benefits of including family in the delivery room. Some women view birth as a family event and want a room full of loved ones on the big day. Other women don't want a crowd watching the birth. These women often view birth as an intimate time that is best enjoyed with only the father of the baby. I fall into this category. When my first baby was born, my mother in law, sister in law and a close friend came to the hospital. This was fine during labor, since they were in and out of the room. When it came time to give birth, I wanted only my husband in the room. That's just my personality. I tend to be more introverted. This is why a career at home writing in peace and quiet suits me perfectly. I found myself getting annoyed with all the touching, asking me if I was o.k. and other well meaning advice or comments. I prefer to turn inward in labor and try to block out my surroundings. For me, this is easier to do if there are fewer people present. When there are too many people around, I get distracted from using relaxation techniques. Another benefit of having my husband in the room came in the moments after the birth. Those first few precious moments were shared by only my husband, my baby and me. After six years of infertility, this was just how I had dreamed it would be. She was perfect and we were head over heels in love with her. After our first moments basking in the joy of new parenthood, we were ready to welcome visitors. We brought my mother in law and sister in law into the room. They got to see our little angel and we were ready to show her off. By then, my friend had gone to the airport to pick up my mom. Soon after, we had even more visitors. Related Articles: The Benefits of Family in the Delivery Room Who Will Be Present at the Birth? Learn more about Pattie Hughes  Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University. Relevantpregnancy tags User Comments Nola Redd (7081) 24 Apr 2007 09:02 PMYes yes yes! This is me. For my first baby, I was okay with my mom and MILthere, since it was their first grandchild. My MIL was in tears after I admitted I didn't want anyone but my husband with me for the next three. Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone! SaraI07 (185) 30 Apr 2007 09:20 PMFor my first child the delivery room was a zoo. I was young and I needed the added support from family. While I was greatful for most of the people present, my mother in law drove me nuts. When I heard some of the comments she had made I was so upset, I told my husband she wasn't welcome to come back to the hospital. Now that I am expecting baby number two I have decided to tell everyone that it will not be a big affair. My mother just passed away in October so as much as I want her to be, she will only be there in spirit, but my sister will be filling in for her. My family is incredibly close. I've been in the delivery room for all four of my sister's children. I couldn't imagine not having her be there. Of course my husband will be there too! Bless his heart, he almost fainted when our daughter was born, I figure I should have some back up in case that happens again. Discuss this article
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