How do you tell people...

justgnat

That you don't want them to visit in the hospital?

Of course my immediate family (mom, dad, brother, and sister if she's in town) is welcome. But I don't think I want extended family, loads of friends, and people from church dropping by. I have 2 girlfriends that have specifically said they'd better get a text when I go into labor. And I feel like they are going to rush right up to the hospital before she's even born! I'd feel bad making everyone sit in the waiting room if don't want a bunch of people in my room. And I don't want to have to wait for everyone to shuffle out every time the nurses come in to check me or I have to get up to pee or change position, etc.

I guess I could just claim that we were too busy to alert anyone...

ashs

I just don't plan on calling.  I have one friend that is expecting a call but I don't want people sitting in the waiting room and DH to feel like he has to constantly go out and give updates. 

DNK777

I told people that I'm waiting until I feel up to it before calling people.  I just told them the truth that I don't want to feel pressured by people waiting even if it's just in the waiting room.  I might not be the most popular person right now, but it's the truth.

Rossi17

Tell them that they don't allow cell phones in the delivery room (I think that's true for most hospitals). Or you could just call her while you are having a contraction, and yell in her ear (no words, just good, loud yelling) .... ) Don't worry about calling, just call afterwards and tell them that you were trying to rest a lot in between contractions for when the pushing would start.

jnealet

First of all, don't feel bad about anything you want during labor!  This is one of the times that you can be totally selfish because truthfully you're the most important person in this circumstance - you're the one bringing a new life into this world. 

On the other hand, people are going to be excited for you and to meet the baby.  And they want to be close by to support you.  If they really want to be in the hospital, then I would be honest and say that you're not sure how you're going to feel in labor and you're not sure if you're going to feel comfortable enough to have anyone in the room but your close family.  Kind of a come at your own risk idea.

Or just tell them to come once the baby is born, so that you feel like you can spend time with them, instead of being distracted by being in labor and its much more exciting when the baby is there.

No matter what happens, I hope people listen to what you want!!!