Claire Dawson
When it comes to childbirth, hospitals are the traditional choice, seen as a safe option for both mother and baby. Almost 99% of deliveries occur in hospitals. However, hospitals don't always provide the warmth and comfort desired during this momentous event. Hospital policies vary regarding who is allowed in the labour room, with some restricting visitors to one or two people, while others allow the woman to choose. Friends and family can provide support and help the baby discover a world full of love and care, but it is important to remember that the labour room can be stressful for a new mother, and individuals who add stress can be asked to leave.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of friends allowed in the birthing room | Varies across hospitals, from strict rules allowing one or two "visitors" to policies encouraging the mother to choose |
| Who decides | The mother can change her mind about who to have in the delivery room at any point |
| When friends can be in the birthing room | Friends are allowed in the room during labour and birth |
| When friends cannot be in the birthing room | Friends are asked to visit during hospital visiting hours after the birth |
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What You'll Learn
- Hospitals may allow a limited number of family members in the birthing room
- Hospital policies vary on who can be in attendance to support the mother
- Friends and family can wait in the hallway or hospital waiting room during labour
- Friends can visit the mother and baby after birth during hospital visiting hours
- Friends and family can be asked to leave the room by the mother or nurse
Hospitals may allow a limited number of family members in the birthing room
Hospitals differ in their labour practices, including who they allow in the labour room. Some hospitals have strict rules allowing only one or two visitors, while others let the mother decide how many people she wants present and whom she wants to be with her during birth.
It is important to remember that you can change your mind about who to have in the delivery room at any point. If you feel that someone is adding too much stress or getting in the way, your nurse or doctor can ask that individual to leave.
In addition to your chosen support people, there will be a doctor or midwife who will deliver the infant, a labour nurse who will coach you through the pushing while monitoring the baby's progress, and a baby nurse who will evaluate the baby's health after delivery and facilitate the skin-to-skin and breastfeeding processes.
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Hospital policies vary on who can be in attendance to support the mother
Some hospitals have strict rules, allowing only one or two "visitors" in the birthing room. Others have more relaxed policies, allowing the woman to choose how many people and who she would like to be with her during childbirth. In some cases, hospitals may focus on family-centred care, providing a private room where the woman can labour, deliver, and recover in one place without having to move.
It is important to remember that you can change your mind about who to have in the delivery room at any point. You should do whatever makes you feel the most calm and comfortable, and ask for support from people who will provide a calming environment, even during stressful or painful moments.
In addition to friends and family, there are various healthcare professionals who can be part of the maternal and newborn care team, providing support and care before, during, and after childbirth. These include nurses, physicians, midwives, social workers, psychologists, dietitians, lactation consultants, and physical therapists.
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Friends and family can wait in the hallway or hospital waiting room during labour
Having friends and family in the hospital while giving birth is a personal decision. Many women feel comfortable with their partners or doulas seeing them go through the pain and discomfort of labour, but they may not want friends or colleagues to see them in that state. Friends and family can wait in the hallway or hospital waiting room during labour.
There can be a lot of activity during labour, some of which you may not want people to see. For example, your body will be exposed when nurses check your cervix for dilation, when an anaesthesiologist places an epidural, or when the doctor breaks your water. Most women wear a hospital gown with no undergarments, and you might also have a catheter in your bladder. You can ask visitors to step out to the waiting room every time an exam is being performed or a sensitive topic is discussed, but that can get tedious. Depending on how you choose to handle pain management, you might not feel up to having guests in the room.
Some hospitals don't allow guests during certain times of the day or night. This structured time is designed to help parents and babies rest and have a break from postpartum activities. If you choose to invite guests, make sure to let them know when they won't be allowed to visit. If you decide not to allow visitors in the hospital, that's okay. Friends and family members can connect with you virtually if you choose. Consider using FaceTime or Skype to show off the new baby without the pressure of having to "entertain" guests.
If you have a low-risk pregnancy, a birthing centre might be an option if you prefer a more homely setting. These can be separate from a hospital or attached to one. They provide ""family-centred care" and often include things like private rooms with soft lighting, showers, whirlpool tubs, and a kitchen for the family to use. Birthing centres try to feel more like a home than a hospital.
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Friends can visit the mother and baby after birth during hospital visiting hours
Having guests in the delivery room is a personal decision, and the choice depends on your modesty level, how you feel after delivery, and your baby's health. Many women feel comfortable with their partners or doulas seeing them deal with the pain and discomfort of labour, but most don't want friends or colleagues to see them in that state. There can be a lot of activity during labour, some of which you may not want people to see. For example, your body will be exposed when nurses come in to check your cervix for dilation, when an anaesthesiologist places an epidural, or when the doctor breaks your bag of water.
If you feel uncomfortable having these conversations with visitors prior to or during your stay, don't hesitate to ask your nurse to assist. It can be tough to ask well-intentioned family members and friends to stay home, but your health and your baby's well-being are important. Many people love to contribute to a new mother's well-being, so don't feel guilty about asking visitors to bring a treat or anything else that makes your adjustment to motherhood easier.
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Friends and family can be asked to leave the room by the mother or nurse
Hospital policies vary, but friends and family can generally be asked to leave the birthing room by the mother or nurse. While some hospitals have strict rules allowing only one or two "visitors", others allow the woman giving birth to choose how many people and who she would like to be with her.
In some cases, hospitals may have specific visiting hours for friends and family, while immediate family members are allowed to visit at any time. It is a good idea to check the hospital's maternity care policies and practices, as well as any COVID-19 visitor policies, before deciding who to have in the delivery room.
Ultimately, the decision of who to include in the birthing room should be based on the mother's preferences and personal values, ensuring that she feels calm and comfortable during labour and delivery.
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Frequently asked questions
Hospitals have different policies on who they allow in the birthing room. Some hospitals allow the woman giving birth to choose who and how many people are in the room with her. However, some hospitals have strict rules and only allow one or two "visitors". Friends are typically allowed to visit during hospital visiting hours.
Apart from friends, immediate family members are usually allowed in the birthing room. Some hospitals also allow older children (16 and above) in the room.
Yes, you can change your mind about who you want in the delivery room at any point. If someone is causing you stress, you can ask your nurse or doctor to remove them from the room.
Many hospitals offer birthing suites, which are private rooms with baths where a woman can labour, deliver, and recover without having to move.
