Birthing alone?
I (35w pregnant, uncomplicated) always imagined one of my sisters would support me during the birth, but for one reason or another, there’s been a lot of emotional distance w my family during my pregnancy. My friends have been supportive but I don’t see any of them being a birth support person.
Question: have any of you chosen to birth without anyone else present aside from medical personnel? How was it? Did you regret the choice or change your mind mid-labor and call for someone?
For context, I live in a big metro city. Current plan is to labor at home as long as possible before cabbing to hospital and receiving epidural ASAP. Will then let family know (mom/sisters etc) very soon after birth for visits and likely have one of them stay the night w me. My family live nearby so I can always tag someone in during labor.
Edit: I appreciate all the responses. A doula would obviously be ideal but the cost is really prohibitive where I live (min 2k for birth only).
Update: Thanks to all who shared those experiences and feedback ❤️. I obtained a few referrals for lower-cost doulas and will hopefully find something doable.