A surrogate mum who is eight months pregnant with a couple's first baby has said she doesn't want to have the mum in the delivery room with her when she gives birth.
Sharing her story on Reddit, the 26-year-old woman explained that she had initially agreed to let both the mum and dad - named Sarah and Josh - into the room after the baby's head had started coming, as this would mean they would get to witness the moment the baby is born.
But throughout the pregnancy, Sarah has made the surrogate so "uncomfortable" that she's now changed her mind, and will allow Josh to be there for the whole event, but doesn't want Sarah involved at all.
In her post, she said: "I am a surrogate. I gave one couple a baby three years ago, and both parents were present at birth. I know birth isn't a spectator sport, but my situation is not a typical one.
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"I am now 8 months pregnant with a baby boy. The couple whose child I am carrying are very nice. The initial agreement was that they both get to be in the room for the birth, but for the labour, we'll see as we get to know each other better.
"The thing is, Sarah makes me so uncomfortable. She keeps touching my belly and talks to the baby, talks to me in a baby voice, wants to massage me (like a full belly massage) etc. I'm not a fan.
"Josh has clearer boundaries, he touches the belly after he asks.
"Last week we were finalising a birth plan. We went for a birth centre natural birth, and I get to have two people there. They both really want to be there for the whole thing.
"I told them that I don't mind Josh being there for it all because we have clear boundaries and I know that if I ask him to leave the room in the middle, he will. I also told Sarah I am uncomfortable with her being there the whole time and that she can still come in for the birth - so just the absolute last part, after the baby's head starts coming."
The woman admitted that breaking the news to Sarah left her in tears, and she even "begged" her to let her see the whole event.
However, because the surrogate doesn't trust the mum to leave the room if she needs to, she has now told Sarah that she can't be involved in the labour at all.
She added: "She got upset and said she really wants to be there and maybe she can trade places with Josh if having both of them would overwhelm me. I told her how I feel and she just started crying and begging me to let her see it all.
"I then told her I don't even want her in the room for the birth anymore, because I am so afraid she will cause a scene and make it all about her."
Commenters on the post were largely on the surrogate's side, with many saying it's completely up to her who she has in the delivery room with her.
One person said: "Mum and dad can meet their baby after the birth. Choose people you are close with to have there during the birth."
While another added: "You are doing an incredible thing for them and you need to be as comfortable as possible for the actual birth."
And a third wrote: "The baby being theirs does not supersede your comfort during the labour and birth. You’re giving them the miracle of life. The wife needs to keep that in mind."
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