Ultimately, who is present during your labour should be based on your wishes. Take some time to think about who will support you through each stage of labour and make this clear to your birth partner before labour.
You might choose to have just your birth partner and midwife (and perhaps a doula) with you, or, depending on your culture, beliefs, and preferences, you may want to include whānau or other trusted support people to surround you during labour.
In a Māori whānau, the people present are usually those closest to you and chosen by you, guided by whānau, tikanga, and whakawhanaungatanga (connection and relationships). This often includes your partner, mother, sisters, aunties, kuia (elder women), and sometimes other trusted whānau members. The presence of whānau is about more than support — it reflects the understanding that birth is a collective, family event, not something you experience alone.
Choose the people who make you feel safe, supported, and truly at ease during labour. Whether it’s a small, private space or a room filled with whānau, what matters most is that you feel grounded, connected, and cared for. When your support circle reflects your values and wishes, it can positively shape your entire birth experience.
Who support you matters
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