Episode 4: Support, Purpose & Boundaries: Choosing Your Birth Guests

Who's really supposed to be in that birth room? In this episode of the Midwife's Pocketbook Podcast, certified nurse midwife Angelina gets real about one of the most overlooked parts of birth planning — your guest list. Whether you're planning a home birth, birth center birth, or hospital delivery, the energy and people you invite into that space matter more than you think. Midwife Angelina breaks down how to choose your birth guests intentionally, how to give everyone a purpose (yes, even the mother-in-law with the peach cobbler), and why setting boundaries before labor begins is non-negotiable. She shares real stories from her experience — from a beautiful 20-person home birth to the toddler in the tub — and reminds us that there's no one-size-fits-all answer. In this episode: * How to decide who truly belongs in your birth space * Why every guest needs a job * Navigating family expectations and unsolicited invites * Understanding hospital, birth center, and home birth policies * Setting boundaries around photos, social media, and access Whether your ideal birth has two people or twenty, this episode will help you go in with a clear plan and the confidence to protect your space. Subscribe to the Midwife's Pocketbook Podcast and share with a mama-to-be who needs this!