debs1

My MIL and FIL and SIL all want to be there when we go to the hospital well or as they say 'on the opposite side of the door with the champagne' and i don't think that's right as i want it to be just me and Hubby enjoying our first few hours and not have to think about people waiting to come in. Is there any rules at hospitals about how many people can be there? Can i use this as an excuse or should i just be upfront? It's there 1st grandchild so they are pretty excited so i'm kinda stuck on what to do without upsetting anyone especially me

fifi83

Hard situation, you could be in labour for a lot of hours, try get our OH (lol) to speak to them and say that he will call them has soon as baby is born least you can leave it a hour or so before you ring and then by the time they get there you will of had a couple of hours on your own.

Has for hospital rules think it depends on each hospital.

I hope you get it sorted, Good Luck xx

Gabi

The best thing for you to do is to just be upfront about it. Tell them that you don't like the idea of them being there throughout and tell them you'd like a few hours alone just the 3 of you to get to know your little one and you'll get your hubby to call them once everything has settled. Maybe have a chat to your OH about it. Let him know your feelings and then maybe he can tell them too.

It's my parents first grandchild too but they're not going to be there till after we let them know everythign is done and settled. Like my dad said to me "It's yours and Seans baby.. not ours. We had our moment years back with you. It's your turn now"

If you don't think they'll listen then maybe speak to your hospital and tell them you dont want visitors until whenever. Surely you can write that down in your birth plan?

anita665

I don't know if it's the same at every hospital but at the two I've used so far throughout my pregnancy only ket you have 2 visitors at a time on the labour ward anyway, even outside your door. Your OH is counted as one so they probably couldn't wait outside the door anyway!

aj2000

It's nice that your family are so excited.

My mum and dad also said they would rush down as soon as I went into labour (they're 4 hours away). My response was very much as Gabi suggested - I felt we'd probably need a bit of time to rest and adjust and I was very upfront about that.

Hope you find a way to explain to them

keelykat

I can understand how excited they must be, but i also understand that you wont want visiters rushing in so soon after the birth. I also will want some time with my new family so to speak, just me, baby and hubby. Ive actually told my hubby im not even sure ill want visiters until i go home, unless i have to stay in longer then expected. My mom can be overwhelming, and would be there at the birth if she could-but its best to be honest and tell them the truth.

Good luck!

keely.

Tilly

Just say that whilst you appreciate how excited they are, to please give you the first few hours of your babys life together. Any reasonable person would accept that, if they make a fuss then thats just tough.

Oh by the way, I got to the labour ward with my mum, boyfriend, his mum and his dad (they gave us a lift) and they were in the waiting room with my brother, sonny's brother and his girlfriend.. as soon as Bethanie popped out (10 mins later) everyone was rushing in to see her. I could have really done with the time alone to bond with Bethanie and recover a bit myself, so I did find it a bit tiring. Next time round I will be doing it slightly differently, although I didn't have the choice as no one had discussed it with me prior to the event. Assert yourself now, before it's too late.

Mervs Mum

I totally agree. My daughter was the first grandchild all round and my parents and in laws didnt come to see her until the following day. I know they are excited but its your moment. Just tell them.

x

dizzle

I think all the people on here are right, you just need to tell them you need time on your own to bond with the baby.

Mine will be the 4th grandchild for my parents but the first for OHs. I know they're excited but if they ask I'm going to make it clear OH and I want time on our own with the baby before visitors arrive. I think those first few hours are so precious, I just want to be alone with my new family

Spartacus

I think all the responses are spot on! I know when my sister in law had her baby you were only allowed two visitors and there were strict visiting hours too so you could say that they don't allow others just to hang around even outside but your oh will let you know when baby is born and a suitable time for you all to visit. Even the honest part of they will be getting you sorted after baby and then you had oh want to have time together (am getting so excited talking about it!) with your little un I am sure they will all understand when you tell them but if they don't tough that is the rules!!