Birthing partners

[GeorgeBeeThomson]

Hello everyone.

My wife will be giving birth any day now and as far as I'm aware two birthing partners are allowed into the room. Our hospital is NHS Forth Valley in Larbert.

The problem is four of us, me, two mothers and a sister all want to be there in some capacity! I'm asking if it is possible and easy to swap around partners on the fly? Myself am not entirely sure if I will be of any use in the birthing room as I currently have a broken leg but would love to cut the cord and support my partner as best I can. However the three others all have a special need for wanting to be there.

[jenna01]

And what does your wife want? She will need to let her midwife know her wishes for who she wants with her and they will be able to work something out with her

[jodr]

When my mum had my younger brother (20 year age gap!) She was adamant she wanted her husband my sister and me in the room with her for the birth. In the hospital she was told quite clearly you can only have 2 however my mum wouldn't take no for an answer and we were all with her. It was an amazing experience for all of us. I think at the end of the day if it's what your wife wants then she'll get it if she is quite clear..every rule has an exception!

[AllWeNeedIsluv]

It's up to what your wife wants but I did, have four swapping over 2 at a time. This time it's just gonna, be me and hubby can't be doing with all input from others, who think they know best, it's more draining than labour itself

[kt_11]

Does she want them in there or is it just that they want to be there?

I personally only had my partner in and wouldn’t have wanted any other family members in the delivery room but I know some people do like to have more than one birthing partner.

If she is keen to have everyone involved, maybe call the delivery ward beforehand and explain the situation. Worst case scenario they say no. But it’s better to know the score now rather than to wait til she’s in labour and turn up with the entire family in tow!

[Kata89]

Personally I'd have hated for my partner to miss the birth, even with a broken leg. Your roll would be mainly to reassure her, I had a c section so don't exactly know what a vaginal birth is like for the partner. You won't want to miss the moment your own child is delivered, my partner says it's the best moment of his life, as cheesy at it sounds, it really is. Also my personal opinion is that I'd have not wanted anyone else in with me.

As others have already said talk to your wife find out exactly what she wants. I'd guess that she wants you there broken leg or not.

[rachellj93]

We were told 2 people maximum and no swapping. I would 1000% let your wife decide who she wants there.

[VICKY3506]

If I was your her I want my husband that it no one else talk to.her if she wants a backup she might be able to wait outside of waiting in waiting area depends where u live I'd say you her and mum would be fine goodluck

[Kate91]

What does your wife want, they wont let you swap and change unless its absolutely necessary as its a danger and it gets in the way of medical staff. You will not want to miss the birth of your child regardless of broken leg or not. What reasons for the others being there, because personally, having given birth twice there would have to be a hell of a good reason for the mothers to be there even more so for a sister.

[roxannacar]

Agree with everyone else ... your wife's bits on show so her choice. O had my mum.and husband for the first my husband only for the second. My mum wanted to be there for the second too but I honestly thought she was going to black out during the first so didnt really want to have to worry about her during child birth ... had enough to deal with! She provided excellent baby sitting for my first child tho!