Your partner wanted to be surrounded by all of your friends and family for this birth. But now that they’re here, all these people are driving you and your partner crazy. So how do you ask them to leave without causing World War III?
- Use a Code Word
Come up with a look or a word or a phrase for her to use to tell you to start removing extra people from the room. This is a safe way to let you know she needs help without her offending anyone.
- Be Polite, But Direct
Simply ask people to leave. Explain to them that things are getting intense and your partner needs to focus on her contractions. Be careful though since this can make family and friends angry with you, especially if they were planning on being there with the two of you.
- Guide People Out
Some people don’t get the hint and you will actually have to walk them out to the waiting room.
- Promise Updates
If your friends and family are at the hospital, they love you, they love your partner and they already adore this baby. It's only natural for them to be excited and nervous. Promise them you'll let them know what's going on so they can be a part of the event too. Just don't let them knock on your door for updates, or they’ll drive both of you crazy.
- Ask Them to go Home
If it looks like it’ll be a while before the birth, tell your friends and family that you’ll call them when you get close to the end.
- Give People Something to do
If you’re truly having problems getting rid of people, send them on food or store errands. This works well if they don’t know the area and you can send them to stores a few miles away.
- Make Your Nurse the Bad Guy
Have your nurse kick the excess people out if you don't want to do it. The nurse can site hospital procedure, policies and rules to help get the people out of the room. However, be careful though because again, this can make people angry, especially if they figure out the request came from you.
Tip: Decide as a couple not to call people until after the baby is born or when the birth is close. Just tell your friends and family you were too busy to call thus eliminating the need to potentially kick people out of the room.
