Schmickers has made some great points.

No way, you're not being controlling or unreasonable at all! This is YOUR birth and and your's and Shel's experience to become parents in your own space and comfort without all and sundry hanging around especially if they don't agree on the birth methods. You don't want any negativity hanging around.

I've started to experience the same comments with my mum and MIL starting to comment that they'll be there for the birth and have even had a friend say she will be at the hospital waiting. DP & I have agreed that we will not be telling anyone when I go into labour and it will be a few hours at least before we start calling people including our parents.

I'm facing the possibility of a c-section and we've decided that we are not even going to tell anyone that I'm having a c-section let alone the date it's booked in for. I just couldn't stand people loitering around just waiting and I would be devastated if anyone got to hold my baby before I did, except for DP of course.

So, whether I go into labour naturally or book in for a c-section, none of our family or friends will know until at least a few hours after the birth and depending on how I am feeling will indicate when they can all start visiting me. I just want time for me, DP and new baby to be alone together before everyone starts to visit.

Stick to your guns and if people get offended when you tell them not to be there until xxx time, too bad, they will get over it.