Invites to birth day on the way

In Britain they send out invites. Americans can watch from spectator galleries.

Birth, it seems, is turning into a social occasion - and the party is not confined to the Northern Hemisphere.

Increasing numbers of New Zealand mothers-to-be aren't averse to extra company either, with many inviting their mother, sister or even extended family along to the birth.

Ann Yates, midwifery leader at National Women's at Auckland City Hospital, said that since the 1970s, when fathers were first allowed to be present for the birth, the numbers of family, friends and support people attending had grown. It was not unusual for up to six people to spend time with the mother.

In her own career more than half the births were attended by more than one support person. On one occasion about 20 family members were present.

"As a rule New Zealanders seem to be more open to it being a family event with people they have chosen to be there. That's possibly down to the influence of Maori culture."

Ms Yates said support people were most likely to be mothers, sisters or a good friend. Some families chose to have siblings present.

"Mostly it's an advantage because you are doing something that is quite strenuous and you need encouragement and support," she said.

"A mother will often seem more visibly relaxed with life going on around her, she's possibly less aware it's a hospital if she's got family there talking about family stuff."

Clinical leader Dr David Knight said the hospital's birthing suites had been designed to accommodate more people.

College of Midwives midwifery adviser, Bronwen Pelvin, said birth was "not a spectator sport" and it was always a woman's choice who she wanted with her. Some women chose to have no one else present.

"It all hinges on a couple's sense of privacy ... there are still couples who like just them and no one else."

In an emergency family and friends may be asked to leave, with one or two key people able to remain.