i tend to agree with caro.... and after reading this post i am suddenly feel really lucky with my family, and in laws, who i can't wait to have come to the hospital... i dont care if i look a wreck and haven't had a shower or whatever, i will have gone thru an amazing effort and everyone will know that, no one will be looking at me and wondering why i'm not glammed up.... (besides they have all already seen me at my worst in my pj's and sick during pregnancy, so ive really got nothing to hide, hehe)...

it seems you are putting enormous pressure on yourself to live up to some ideal of perfection in order to please other people.... it just seems like such a waste of energy... i know its easier said than done, but can't you just be yourself and to hell with the lot of them? i'd love to at least be looking human, and have my hair looking reasonably decent and clean, and my face with some make up on for my visitors, but it wont be the end of the world if i dont, i am who i am, flaws and all, and if anyone tries to judge me while i am in hospital post birth, god help them!!

anyways, if u are trying to ban them from visiting, and they are intent on coming, it seems you have lost the battle already, wont u be laying in bed worrying everytime the door to your room opens? .... why not allow visiting on your terms only, ie, choose an hour time slot, like 9am to 10am, and let the hospital staff know this, so they can come along and usher them out at 10am.... at least this way, you know what to expect, you can make sure you are showered and looking good for 9am, and come 10am you know they are leaving.... puts a bit more power back in your hands, and also pleases the masses, or at least its a compromise... you can put up with them for an hour and then relax...

i feel for you, worrying about stuff like this is the last thing you should be doing when u have such a huge time ahead of you... good luck and i hope u are able to work something out and try not to sweat the small stuff, the bigger picture is amazing xx