Hey there, soon-to-be moms! Are family members or friends pressuring you to let them witness your labor? Is your mother-in-law assuming she’s got a VIP pass to the delivery room? It’s time to set some boundaries, my friend!
When did it become a norm to invite an audience into the delivery room? As if navigating the awkwardness of having medical staff conduct intimate exams isn’t enough, let’s add a crowd to the mix! Seriously, though, we’ve already thrown our dignity out the window when we carried around those clear cups of pee at the doctor’s office. But guess what? Pregnant women absolutely need their space!
By the time you reach your delivery date, you might be accustomed to being exposed in a medical setting. That doesn’t mean you want your in-laws watching your most private moments. You’re the star of this show, and you alone have the authority over who gets a backstage pass. Even your partner’s presence should be up for discussion!
Think of yourself as the director of this birth experience. You’re in charge, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation for wanting privacy. “Exposed vagina” should suffice as a reason to keep the uninvited out. If it helps, hang a sign on your hospital door saying, “Stay Out! Exposed Vagina!” in Comic Sans to keep it light-hearted. After all, no one can call you rude when it’s in a playful font!
On a serious note, stress can significantly impact your labor. Studies have shown that if a laboring woman feels threatened or anxious, her body releases catecholamine, a stress hormone that can slow or even halt labor. This is why it’s crucial to choose your support team wisely. If someone brings you stress, they don’t belong in the delivery room.
Perhaps your loved ones soothe you and make you feel at ease—if that’s the case, feel free to invite them to celebrate the day with you! But if you have any doubts about someone wanting to be present during your birth, don’t hesitate to stand your ground. You deserve to feel comfortable, especially when it comes to bringing a new life into the world.
For more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource available at WomensHealth.gov. And if you’re looking for the right tools, head over to Make a Mom to find an authoritative guide on home insemination kits.
Remember, it’s all about what makes you feel safe and supported during this monumental moment—for you, it’s about an exposed vagina!