I have asked my DH & my sister to be with me. Obviously, I want DH to be there to share in the birth of his daughter but also my sister because I feel her humour and recent experience (she has a 2yr old) will be just the distraction I need.

I know my own mother wants to be there but I have had a very troubled relationship with her over the years - she can't seem to accept that I'm closer to my Dad. She's done a great job at rejecting me at various times when I've needed her - why would I want to risk relying on her at the birth of my 1st child? Either way, she's disappointed (my sister told her gently that I didn't want her there). I don't have to worry about my mother-in-law - they're overseas until 31st January - long after Maddy's due - and honestly, I'd probably prefer her to be there than my mum.