According to a recent survey by Channel Mum, the trend of inviting family and friends into the delivery room is on the rise. Younger mothers, in particular, are bringing an average of eight loved ones along for the ride during labor. Eight! In the delivery room. Seriously?
I can’t fathom a worse scenario than having a group of eight people surrounding you while you’re in a hospital bed, uncomfortable and vulnerable. Mother-in-laws have become the second most popular birth support people, right after the mother and partner of the laboring woman. Plus, nearly 25% of moms are now sharing their birthing experiences on social media, making childbirth feel like a public event.
Siobhan Freegard, founder of Channel Mum, shared with The Telegraph that the younger generation is accustomed to sharing every detail of their lives, so it makes sense they’d want to include their birth experience. Many women consider giving birth as one of their greatest accomplishments and wish to celebrate it with those closest to them.
However, the reality of having a crowd during labor can be quite different. Sure, the idea of having friends nearby sounds comforting—until boredom strikes and someone pulls out their phone for a game of Minecraft. Or, what if someone begins to look anxious? More people can lead to more stress, which is the last thing you need when you’re trying to bring a new life into the world.
A 2004 study titled “Do Not Disturb: The Importance of Privacy in Labor” pointed out that when a laboring animal feels threatened or disturbed, their stress hormones can halt the labor process. The same goes for women. Imagine your mother-in-law discussing your thighs or a well-meaning friend walking in with pizza while you’re in the middle of a contraction. Any distraction could be incredibly annoying!
The survey also revealed that having more observers can pressure mothers into refusing pain medication for fear of judgment. This is a situation where anything that complicates childbirth is a poor choice. Young moms, take note: you don’t need an entourage in the delivery room. Just let them wait outside until the baby arrives and bring snacks, ginger ale, and maybe even a foot spa.
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In summary, while the idea of sharing your birth experience with loved ones may seem appealing, the reality can be far less pleasant. Maintaining a calm and private environment is essential for a smoother labor. So, keep the crowd away—trust me on this one.