Pregnancy has different effects on different people, and occasionally it can bring out responses you didn't predict in your family and loved ones. While this is your pregnancy and your wishes and feelings should come first, keeping the family in the loop and involving them in the experience when you feel comfortable can go a long way in developing relationships that will carry over into your baby's life.
Planning and discussing family involvement before your baby is born can help avoid misunderstandings during the birth and the first few weeks after birth. You'll have enough on your plate after your little one arrives; getting everyone on the same page before birth should help you have the experience you would like to have with your newborn.
Things to consider discussing with your family:
- Your birth plan and family's place in it
- Your plan for the first few weeks at home and any help you want or don't want
- How they can help during pregnancy, birth, and with the newborn
- Your plans for going back to work or staying home
- Your expectations of them
- Any questions they may have
