Is the “More Really Merrier” When It Comes to the Delivery Room?

As you plan your birthing journey, you will no doubt think about how your delivery day will go. Among the important decisions you and your partner will make as you build your custom birth plan will be with whom you share your special moment with.

For some moms-to-be, labor and delivery will be a private moment shared only with her partner; for others, the more the merrier as a support team may be more desirable.

However, labor and delivery can be both intense and intimate, so it is important to have the right people by your side. As you plan your big day, consider the following:

• Not for the faint of heart! Let’s be real … during the big day, blood and bodily fluids are sure to be present, as will the potential for the other bodily functions to occur (hey, there’s a lot going on!). Whomever you choose to have in the room should be ready and willing to prioritize your care and well-being … so, keep the squeamish a phone call away!
• It’s OK to say NO! This is your day and you should experience it with those you choose. Even if they say they are desperate to be there with you, this is about you, not them. Your comfort, and the safety of mom and baby, is all that matters. So set some boundaries and be firm and clear about your delivery day intentions.
• Know the limits. Between COVID-19 restrictions and the Medical Staff needing room to work, many hospitals have a limit on the number of people (and, in some cases, the age of people) who can be in the Delivery Room. This is even tighter when it comes to a Cesarean section (C-section).
• Have a back-up plan. In a perfect world, every mom-to-be would be able to schedule her delivery down to the moment. In the real world, we know this isn’t always the case, so it’s best to be prepared with a back-up should your first-round draft pick be unavailable. Just be clear with your “on-call” support to ensure they are ready to step in at a moment’s notice.
• Age Matters. Some hospitals impose a minimum age for younger guests—be sure to confirm this as you build your birth plan. For younger attendees, it’s recommended to prepare them in advance and clearly outline what they can expect.
• Places everyone! Once you decide who will be in the room, clearly communicate where you would like them—head of the bed, foot of the bed, etc. Also, define any expectations you may have of them—helping with breathing exercises, holding your hand, etc.
• Make it official. Designate a point person who can help you share the joyous news—giving you more time to focus on welcoming your new baby. Provide pertinent details, such as name, gender, weight, length, etc. as well as ground rules visiting as appropriate. Also, this is a great way to appease someone who feels slighted by not being in the room for the big moment.
• Don’t forget after, too. Labor and delivery is one thing. It’s also important to clearly communicate your wishes and desires as you recover. Ready for family to swoop in right after the baby’s birth? Or do you prefer they give you a bit of time to clean up and bond with your body? It’s up to you, but let them know ahead of time to eliminate added stress and confusion.

An intimate moment shared between you and your partner versus strength in numbers is completely up to you. You and your partner should come to consensus as you customize your birthing journey. Then, talk to your doctor about your wishes as well as any restrictions or visitor guidelines that may be in place.

At the new Cosgrove Maternity Center at Southwest General, our Birthing Journey team is here to help you every step of the way as you review your preferences and build your customized birth plan. To learn more about our team of experts and state-of-the-art birthing suites, visit our website.