Birthing partner?

Question

Long story short, there's a chance my partner won't make it to the birth of our second child, despite very much wanting to. I've known this right through my pregnancy. However, now it's drawing closer, my partner bought it up again, and throughout the entire pregnancy, I've been dead set on "if my partner can't be there I'm doing it on my own" but now I'm not so sure. And my partner isn't sure he's happy/comfortable with me having no support while I'm in labour. He's said that if that's what I want, then he'll respect that, but it would be nice if I had someone with me if he can't be.
But I've picked out problems with EVERYONE that I've thought of that might be willing to be there with me.... I'm pretty sure that some of my reasons for not wanting certain people are completely stupid and I'm trying to find problems where there aren't any.
I don't know if I just need to vent, or if I'm actually looking for advice, because it's nearly midnight and I'm tired. But the best way for me to process my thoughts is to write them down, so whoever reads this can have some ramble-y word vomit...

Answer

If you have the spare money, you could hire a doula. Their whole job is to support, advocate and be there for you, and you wouldn't have to pick someone you don't want there 100% for whatever reason 🤷🏽‍♀️

Answer

I am trying to think if this was me.... actually I would probably just want it to be me. Maybe have someone to talk to for a bit early on, then want them to leave or go to the waiting room for any serious labor. Is that weird? If my husband couldn’t be there I have a hard time imagining wanting anyone there other than doctors and nurses.

Answer

Haha 3 comments saying the same thing at the same time... when I posted mine it updated with the other 2! I hope that is an option for you. I will have my husband but am also looking for a doula.

Answer

Personally I wouldn’t go for a doula. But that’s just me...it’s basically a stranger and if that’s the case I’d rather just have my midwife there because at least I’d know her a little better than a doula. Not to mention how much they might charge. There’s not really much interest in doulas in the U.K.

Answer

My husband may not make it back for the birth of our little girl as he is working out of state right now and cannot have his phone with him while on the job. My step daughter is very adamant about being there as my support. I feel super blessed to have her here. I live over 800 miles away from all of my friends and family, so its been stressful thinking about the labor and delivery!

Answer

May I ask why he may not be able to be there? 
Having another person there would be helpful for sure during pregnancy. Have you thought about hiring a doula? They are 100 percent there just to support you and could be a great person to utilize for your birth.

Answer

Would you be able to afford a doula? I believe in your case I would look for someone, friend or family, to help and be there for part of the process but I would try to hire a professional that I knew would be with me from start to finish.