Just curious

[girlyswot]

I've lost count of the number of stories I've read in which Hermione or Ginny or some other HP female is giving birth surrounded by positively hordes of Weasleys and assorted other characters.  Hermione, in particular, always seems to expect both Ron and Harry to be present, even if neither is the father (yes, I read EWE stories!).  And if they're not actually in the room, the entire extended family and friends are all anxiously waiting outside.

Now, I have never given birth, nor been present at a birth, but from what I understand, in the UK it's normal to have one person (usually the father of the baby) or possibly two (a mother, sister, close friend) present at the birth.  But I wouldn't expect anyone else to be hanging round in the hospital.

So, my question is, are these fics written by teenagers who have no clue what really goes on, or is it actually the usual custom in the US for anyone and everyone to turn up for a birth?

Comments

[crumplehornedki.livejournal.com]

Well it can be quite normal here to have extended family and children at a birth. Personally I had my mum at my first daughter's birth as well as my husband, plus a doctor and a midwife, at my second daughter and my son's birth just my husband and a mid-wife.

But I know of people who have had home birth's with people popping in and out all the time and the children were playing around them.

When I did my hospital visit when I was pregnant with my oldest there was a woman giving birth and there were people just spilling out of the delivery room - it's not for me but some people are happy with that (oh and you can here the pregnant woman's moans and groans and screams in the hallways!).

There was a maternity show here a few year's back and one woman had the neighbours and friends and her family in the delivery suite.

[tdu000.livejournal.com]

I can see that in some cultures it would be the norm but not for Hermione!