How many people are allowed in the birthing suite?

[Willow]

Our hospital has no limit as such, but I'm sure there is a point where it becomes unreasonable...yeah, 30 sounds unreasonable to me! LOL.

I've only ever had DH and my mum there until the birth, then the PIL to visit a few hours later and we've still been in the delivery suite then.

[Lisa]

I had 6 people in the room with me when I was in labour with DS1, but only had 1 in there when I gave birth to him.

For me it is definitely the less the better... I felt really on show and uncomfortable having so many people in there with me, even though they're people I love and wanted there anyway... I guess once everything was happening, I just wanted to be basically left alone. With my last labour (DS2) I had my DH, my DS1 & DD present and that was more than enough for me

[feeb]

I work at 2 Melbourne hospitals and 2 is maximum in room for actual birth and in early labour you can sometimes get a 3rd but once things start progressing they like there to only be 2 support people.

Main reason is rooms are small and lots of things come in and out of room and in am emergency they need maximum space.

Other reason is woman end up with too much advice and feel smothered.

Also very personal and private showing vagina to family and friends

[alioops]

It depends on the hospital - the hospital that my older 2 were born in had a limit of 2 plus a Student MW or doula for VBs. I have a Student MW this time and had one with DD2. I liked having a student so much that I would recommend it to anyone.

For #3 DH and the student MW will be in surgery with me, plus however many medical staff are needed and possibly a few student obs, considering it is a teaching hospital.

[satya]

I gave birth in a Melbourne hospital & had 4 people in there with me at some parts of the labour - even quite late on. Right before they vacced him out I had 4 there. They cleared the room for the birth though - it was just my partner & I. They would have allowed others but my parents left the room & then the middy asked if I wanted my MIL to leave (she came up close & whispered it) and then she got her out quick smart.

[~Serenity~]

yeah i had my grandma at my dd birth and i remember at one point looking up when they were breaking the waters and my legs were well very spread and shes right in prime veiwing position same as when she was born...kinda weird lol but i would like dh and mum there if possible and hopefully a student midwife

[BloominRoses]

See, ideally I'd like 4: my DF, MIL-to-be (only 5 wks away!!), and my 2 best friends. But as I'm in Melb, based on Feeb's advice I may be only allowed 2 which would knock the 2 friends out I guess. I just don't get why SO many people in his family as well as good (not great) friends want to be in there.

This is the only time in my life where it's actually easier that both of my parents are no longer alive and I have no siblings. If they were, my gosh I'd be literally fricked.

[Taurean]

OMG! I feel for you hon! Really, why do so many of your friends and family feel the need to be there?! What a position they're putting you in!

If I was you, I'd simply tell them all that it's a personal and special moment you want to experience with your partner and you will only be taking a max of 2 extra family members / friends for support. I honestly think your contractions would stop in the tracks and your vajuts would shut up shop if it had that many people looking at it!

I would imagine 2 or 3 people with you would be the norm. I'm taking in my DH and sister and hopefully a close friend who is a trainee midwife but that's it. I already know all I want is supportive people (for both me and DH!) and as less distraction as possible so I can listen to my body and get on with the job.

Good luck with letting everyone down - you poor love!!