As you plan for your baby’s due date, consider having a girlfriend or close female relative join you for the delivery. If you have a friend that has already had a baby, even better – she will know exactly what you are going through and will be able to provide extra TLC.
If you have concerns about this additional attendee, think of the following, and do give some serious consideration to bringing a girlfriend.
Concern: Having too many people at the birth will take away from my privacy.
Consideration: Depending on the length of your labor you may be attended to by multiple nurses and the doctor. Being in the maternity unit is not an entirely “private” experience.
Concern: This should be a special moment for my husband and I to share.
Consideration: Yes, having your baby should be a special moment for the two of you to share. Being in labor can take many hours. If you have a girlfriend with you, your husband may be able to sneak off for some much needed coffee or a snack. Husband and girlfriend will probably be more cheery and supportive to you if they can each take an occasional break. When your baby is finally being born, you can choose to have everyone additional step out of the room so that you are sharing the special moment just with your husband.
Concern: Having an extra person at the birth will be more work for me to coordinate.
Consideration: Any girlfriend or family member that you invite should be a person very close to you. Talk to them about this idea months in advance. Discuss how she might best help you. Perhaps she could give you a foot or hand massage as you have contractions. Maybe she could think of nice stories to share to help pass the time. When you go into labor, let your friend shine and help you in any way she thinks of.
Ultimately, having babies is something that only women do. Having a girlfriend with you during the birth of your baby could give you that needed extra support, and will provide additional love as you bring your baby into the world.