inviting people to the birth?

[lorienellen]

Hi all, I am pregnant with my second child and planning my second homebirth. Last time it was just my husband and I and the midwives, so this time I would like to invite our close family (our moms and my sister-in-law). I am putting together a list of things for them to consider before deciding to come to the birth, like "You will need to do what

Comments

[ariellejuliana]

I would let them know ahead of time that you might need quiet and privacy, so they are not taken aback if you kick them all out. With my second, I locked myself in the bathroom with the lights off. And that was only midwives and my husband I was running away from :) I labor best alone, so a bunch of people I couldn't get away from would be a big problem. Maybe have a suggestion of where they can go if you need some space and privacy.

[bicrim]

You will need to not show fear or create drama. You will need to not chat among yourselves while I'm contracting. This is not a social gathering. You will not freak out and call an ambulance if you get scared. You will not make this about you.

I gave everyone at my home birth very specific jobs based on what i thought they would be best at, and that worked well. My sister was the water pusher (i needed someone to hold water and remind me to drink between contractions), my friend took pictures, my mom was my primary labor support, my husband fed everyone and said nice things to me.