How do I tell our families that this delivery is off limits???

Question

I am currently pregnant with my second child. My husband and I can't agree on how to let our families know our wishes about this delivery. With my daughter, I gave birth vaginally and had let our wishes be known ahead of time. I wanted my mother and husband in the delivery room ONLY!

Well, my Mother in-law hid in the bathroom the entire time and when my daughter was being born, she came out! While I was still exposed! There was a problem with my daughters heart rate, well my mother in law took it upon herself to let my father and father in-law in the room, while I was still getting my stitches! Needless to say I was EXTREMELY upset and am still bitter about the situation.

Well, my husband and I are pregnant again, and this time the baby has to be born c-section, because of the complications with the last delivery. I know only my husband will be allowed in the room during the delivery, but how do I tell very pushy family, that I would like the first few minutes after-wards to be just myself, my husband, our daughter and our new child. We want to introduce them alone, without an audience. Please help!

Answer 1

Tell them what you want like you're telling us right now. Sometimes you have to be direct and firm with your family. It's the only way. If they can't respect that, then maybe they don't need to be at the hospital at all.

Answer 2

Tell them ahead of time that only your husband and daughter will be in the room. Have your husband also talk to the nurses to have them keep unwanted family members out during this time.