A self-invite to my birth- Advice??

[awallrising]

So my Aunt wants to be at the hospital when I deliver, not necessarily in the room unless I want it. A little background, my Aunt & I are really close esp. since my Mom (her only sister) died suddenly in Mar 06. I'm mostly ok with this, but I just won't know how I feel until I'm in labor (I told her this already). Plus I'm kind of concerned about how my Aunt will make it to the hospital or my house in middle of the night and or stay up all night in the hospital (if that is the case). She lives 1 hr from me & I'm about 45 mins from the hospital. Plus she has a lot of health issues & often isn't well. If she ends up staying all night at the hospital, she could be wrecked for days & be unable to help me when I need it. I need the support after, not before (I also mentioned this). Plus she may have to bring her dog to the house & though I love him, he & my dog act like nuts together & may drive me nuts. I know I will want peace & quiet.

She's not a pushy person at all & is just really excited (no grandchildren in her immediate future). Then again, this is about my birth experience & what I need, right?

I plan on having a discussion with her when I see her tomorrow just to talk about potential scenarios & outcomes. I'm a tiny bit peeved that I have something else to worry about, but I'm sure we can work it out.

Any advice? She will agree to anything I want, I just want to do the right thing.

[miso]

I think you're on the right track just to talk to her about it. I think communication is the key, and I think it's very possible to tell her how you feel without hurting her feelings. Like you said, it's your birth, and on top of that you're going to need her help in the days after and if shes as exhausted as you are then there's a problem!

Good luck to you!