jobs to give?

[iluvmy4girls]

ok so this will be my 5th baby, but my first homebirth. We will not have a "baby shower" as it is the 5th, however, my friends are having a "food" shower. Basically they have all agreed to make a meal, and bring a meal after the baby is born. I loved this idea and think it will be the biggest blessing ever.

Now, with that said, knowing that food will be taken care of, I have 3 friends a doula and my MIL that will be at the birth. I have basically told ALL of them that I may change my mind and decide that I want privacy and please not to take it personally if I do. However, with my other births, my energy came from those around me, so I am thinking that I will probably have them here. But I don't want to be stared at for however long labor is, SO I am trying to find things to keep them busy. I already know that MW will be 1st call then doula then MIL. MIL will be responsible for the other children. After that, I need help. At the hospital I didn't pay attention to what needed to be done it just got done.

So for those of you that have been there and done that what are the things that MUST get done, and what suggestions do you have.

Thanks so much.

[Chamsia]

Help with the kids--there are 4 after all!

Bake a birthday cake

Have food out for everyone

clean, do dishes, laundry, anything at all that seems to need doing

prepare placenta planting area if you're planting it (dig the hole)

as labor progresses, warm receiving blankets/baby hats in foil in the oven on low low heat

make sure there is a wonderful nourishing post partum meal prepared for you

bring a book so they aren't looking for something to do/making you feel like they should have something to do (some women wouldn't even notice, but some are so host-oriented that friends standing around wanting to be helpful but having no job could be a distraction to labor)

call folks for you with the news when baby is born



...I'm sure others will think of more. Best wishes mama!

[sunflowergrrl]

take pictures and / or video

PP's mention of placenta planting reminded me... and I totally wish I would have done this but I found out too late - make a placenta print! Get a nice piece of art paper and but the baby side of placenta on the paper to make a print -I'm told it's beautiful and looks like a tree. A wonderful keepsake I wish I would have done!