I’m a super reserved person, I don’t like being vulnerable, and I have very high trust in medical professionals and am comfortable in those settings due to basically growing up in a hospital (mom is a doctor). I really don’t like the idea of that level of full exposure in front of anyone but the medical team. The thought of anyone I care about being there makes me feel anxious and nervous and so far from comforted, and I know the best thing during labor is to remain as calm and relaxed as possible. Birth is just another medical procedure and that’s the only way I can think about it that makes me feel reassured. So that’s really all I want it to be.
ETA since this is coming up a lot: My husband is great. This isn’t about him or any issues with him specifically. He has expressed that he wants to be there, but also that it’s up to me and he will respect whatever makes me most comfortable since I’m the one going through the pain and all. He has been amazing and supportive and an equal partner every step of the way - for the pregnancy and the past 12 years we’ve been together.
Edit 2: Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and insight. I’m realizing that my understanding of the whole labor and delivery process had a few holes in it, so reassessing how I want to approach this. Appreciate those who were kind and understanding in their stories and explanations ☺️