Are you feeling pressure from family or friends to have them attend your birth? Maybe in-laws assume they have an open invitation? It’s time to assert your boundaries, expectant mother. Do it now.
When did we collectively decide that having a crowd in the delivery room was acceptable? As if the awkwardness of medical staff routinely entering your space for very personal examinations isn’t enough—let’s add an audience! If we’ve already surrendered our dignity by carrying a cup of urine through the doctor’s office, why not let others witness the miracle of childbirth? But here’s the truth: pregnant women absolutely need boundaries.
As you approach your delivery date, you may be accustomed to stripping down and having all sorts of eyes on your body. That said, just because you’re somewhat desensitized doesn’t mean you want your mother-in-law or even your own mom witnessing the whole process. Yet, some may be under the impression that their presence is a given. The only person who should have a say in who’s there is the one who helped create this little life—and even that might be a contested decision.
If childbirth is a show, then you are the director, producer, and the one holding the clipboard at the entrance. You make the rules and never feel obligated to justify why someone shouldn’t be there. “Exposed vagina” should suffice as a solid explanation. In fact, why not post a sign on your hospital door reading, “Keep out. Exposed vagina”? I even made a template for you, in Comic Sans, to keep it light-hearted—nobody can label you as rude when you use that font!
On a serious note, stress has been shown to prolong labor. In nature, when a laboring animal feels threatened, their body releases catecholamine, a stress hormone that can stall labor to protect the baby. The same principle applies to women. If you’re feeling unsafe or stressed, your body may react in kind, slowing down or halting the birthing process. This is why it’s crucial to carefully select who is present during your labor. If someone raises your stress levels, they shouldn’t be in the room when you’re trying to bring a tiny human into the world.
Your friends and family may bring you comfort, and if they do, feel free to turn the delivery room into a celebration. But if there’s even a hint of discomfort about someone requesting to be there, don’t hesitate to stand your ground. You have every right to do so—because, let’s face it: exposed vagina.
For more perspectives on this topic, check out this insightful post from our blog. And if you’re looking for reliable options for at-home insemination, consider visiting Make a Mom, which offers quality kits. Additionally, UCSF’s IVF page is an excellent resource for anyone navigating the journey of pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, childbirth should be a personal and intimate experience. Make sure you’re surrounded by those who uplift you and provide comfort, while firmly setting boundaries to protect your peace during this transformative moment.
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