I think is sounds good. It nice way to let everyone know, and coming from the both of you , takes that pressure off telling them face to face, and having to deal with objections and arguements... Can you have a special job for each person they feel responsible for something???
And I do like the "waiting party" idea. It will definitely make them feel useful and involved. And if they are together they can keep each other occupied and entertained, and be out of your way.
Good luck with it!!! :hug:
If it were me I know I couldn't be bothered writing it up but it might work. I'd just not tell anyone, its much less work.
I forgot to put in my previous post, at my hospital (RNS Public) the "Waiting Room" is actually 3 dinky uncomfortable plastic chairs in a corridor outside two sets of locked doors which require a pass to get through. Those doors lead to the birth unit entrance. In order for my IL's to come in and see us, hubby had to go and get them with a midwife who could let them all back in. They told us they do it to discourage people from sitting around. Theres noone in the corridor to ask about how the labour is progessing and if the people waiting do manage to find someone to ask they can't be told anything anyway as patient info is confidential. It might be worth letting people know if there is nowhere to wait/the hospital don't encourage waiting around.
I like the waiting party idea as at least they might realise they can do something helpful rather than sitting on their butts willing you toxic thoughts about your labour!
I meant to say before that you sound just like me with regards to planning a drug-free, no intervention birth. Sure you're a first timer so you really have no idea what it is like but I assure you- you can do it! :)
Hun 1st of all I would have an extra support person there, Shel is not superhuman and may not handle you being in that much pain very well. However I would not want any of these women to be that support person. I would choose someone who you feel most comfortable with, who supports your wishes, and who you could handle showing you woohoo to.
2nd of all I would be firm and tell them that you dont want them there for personal reasons and that you do appreciate that they are excited, but that waiting is not appropriate. You could do the party (that sounds great) but it is worth telling them when things happen of there will be issues with family. I like the idea of the waiting party - only if they can have a key or they can have a back entry left unlocked. I would recommend that Shel talk to the friend from work's boss to ensure she has to stay at work. would be easy if she ll is doing a simple release back into the wild when you call!