A: It’s important to feel supported during labor, and studies have shown that having at least one attentive and caring person by your side can enhance childbirth. Therefore, I strongly encourage you to have, as a minimum, your partner, doula or labor coach in the labor room.

The decision about whether to include additional people in your labor is personal. Some women feel inhibited about experiencing labor in front of others. They may prefer to maintain privacy and minimize distractions that can result from having a room full of people.

Other couples acknowledge that labor can be a long, tiring event. Having family members or friends in attendance provides additional support and gives your partner the ability to take a well-deserved break without leaving you alone. If this appeals to you, choose people who are comfortable with childbirth and can offer encouragement and physical support.

If family members ask whether they can “witness” the baby being born, consider your own feelings and whether it’s important for you to share this experience as well. You have several options. You could invite family members into the labor room but ask for privacy at the time of the birth, you could allow them to watch the delivery itself or you could invite them to join you shortly after the birth.

Discuss this topic with your partner and, if you plan to give birth in a hospital, check the hospital policy on visitors during labor and delivery. If you invite family or friends to the birth, let them know your expectations ahead of time. Tell them if you’d like their presence throughout labor and delivery or just during certain events. It’s also important to remind others that labor is unpredictable. Your feelings may change during labor or unexpected events may lead hospital staff to request friends and family to leave the room.