Selfish for not wanting anyone in room during labor?
My first moment of holding my first born, after her birth was taken from me by my mom. I was young at the time so it was as if I didn’t really have a say in how I wanted things to go. So many people was in the room while giving birth like it was a Christmas bash. 10 years later I get embarrassed thinking of how friends of friends, and family seen me spread eagle pushing a baby out of my vagina.
Prior to giving birth to my second child, (still 10 years later) I made it VERY clear that I only wanted DH in the room. My mother INLAW, his sister, and my mom showed up! His mother kept making snide remakes then out the blue his sister pulled out a home paternity kit. Minutes later my nurse returned to the room to escort everyone out because my heart rate went up. Once outside the room, they knocked on the door every few minutes yelling if my son was born. It was so awful and so damn embarrassing.
This is my final pregnancy. And I’ve come to the conclusion of wanting to be alone during labor. I also want an hour or two to bond, and to establish breastfeeding (I didn’t with my last). I’m pretty set on my decision to not have anyone in the room. But I’ve been trying to find the right words on how to tell my mom because she’s already making plans to call off work for the birth. I would like to avoid situations where I’m not railroaded by pushy grandmas (both) also now thinking of contacting people when I am ready for visitors, perhaps the day after.
I don’t want to be made to feel guilty or selfish by not wanting anyone else there. I would like to be relaxed, comfortable and able to have MY moment. I’m due in March.
Advice?
Achieve your health goals from period to parenting.