OPINION: Who Would You Let Into The Labour Room?

There was a bit of a running joke during my pregnancy that I was going to opt out of having my other half in the labour room with me, and replace him with the presence of my fabulous mum instead. All 'joking' aside, I really did consider having her there up until almost the last minute. In fairness to her, she had been with me for some hospital appointments, had taken me away for a little preggo retreat, helped my try on maternity clothes in various department stores and even came along to an antenatal class. She was as prepared as my man was to be there, so with the added benefit of having actually given birth four times in her life too, my mum seemed like a decent option. In the end, we realised that really, we were being a bit 'It's all about us' and that Alan, as chief Giver Of The Sperm, should of course have the one and only sweet spot when it came to the birth of our child. Jools and Jamie Oliver famously let their older children into the labour room to witness the birth of their newest family member. We asked you guys, 'would you do the same?' and your answers, as usual, are pretty brilliant:

My kids, absolutely not. I think they'd be traumatised forever and in terms of my mum, I wouldn't have any problem with that but I doubt she'd want to be there! - Elaine, Dublin

Lisa from the Bad Mammy Blog;

I'd do it. If nothing else it would act as a teen contraceptive. It could be a nice family moment if all is going well. Obviously difficulties in labour may rule it out as it may scare them but a natural birth? Sure (as long as theyre not down the business end). Depends on their age could throw them off teenage pregnancies lol .... my own kids are too young but would have no problem with mam dad or my own sister being there - Karen, Kildare

Alannah from the Babygugz Blog

The thought itself sounds like a wonderful family moment... the reality is that I can just about let my husband witness me in labour!?So no sorry kids, you won't be seeing this mother in labour!! Myself and my mum were there with my sister during her labour. Definitely not a place for other children (even the best behaved ones). It's a stressful enough time for a woman without adding that extra layer of activity into the room - Sharyn, Dublin My 16 yr old son offered to come into surgery with me for my C-section! - Julieann, North County Dublin

Kellie from the My Little Bábóg Blog

I had no choice on my third. My 5 year old seen everything as baby #3 was born at home unexpectedly. It frightened the life out of her so much that she asked me to make sure I made it the hospital on baby #4! Nope I didn't even want to be in the room - Aoife For me I wouldn't want my kids there. I don't want my kids seeing me in pain/discomfort for god knows how long. If something went wrong then I think that's too much on them. My mum wouldn't want to be there and I'm very good with that. An hour after my first was born I had 20 visitors in my room - I thought this was perfect but I know others would think a nightmare! - Caroline, Rush I'd absolutely have my mum there. Kids are a definite no, while I don't think birth should be taboo for them I find it hard enough sending a text with them at me never mind giving birth. It's an unnecessary stress. However- I would be happy for them to visit during labour once I've someone to nod to that will take them out if I needed it - Fiona, Co. Meath

Laura from the Love, Life and Little Ones Blog

I am always very open with my children. I think I would be happy to have them there. My mum was there when #3 was born and I loved it. I loved the aura in the room with people I loved there.. Depending on their age I would be happy to have my children witness me give birth to a sibling. It's a miracle in itself and if they were old enough not to be frightened by it I think I would be an unbelievable experience as a family. Defo wouldn't mind my mum being there. She was a great support through my pregnancy with Hayden - Emma, Skerries

How about you, who are you having in the labour room with you? Let us know in the Facebook comments or join the conversation on Twitter @HerFamilydotie