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It has been revealed that women in their 20s and below are more likely to have an audience when giving birth
How many people would you expect to accompany a woman into the delivery room while she gives birth?
Probably just one or two - perhaps her partner, mum, sister or a close friend or relative would go with her for moral support. But for some women, two people just aren't enough.
Research commissioned by new vlogging site Channel Mum has revealed that some young mums take as many as FIFTEEN people into the delivery room - and that doesn't include the medical staff.
The survey, which questioned 2,000 women, found that mums in their twenties or teens invite an average of eight people to witness the birth of their baby.
This presents a drastic difference to women now in their sixties, who were found to have only had one person present in addition to their midwife.
Mums who are now in their fifties had an average of two delivery room guests.
Mums now aged in their thirties and forties opted for FOUR birth partners - normally their partner, mother, best friend and a close female relative such as a sister or aunt.
Siobhan Freegard, founder of Channel Mum, said: "The younger generation are used to sharing every aspect of their lives, so why not birth?
"Many women feel it is their biggest achievement and so want to share the moment with all of those closest to them."
But sharing this achievement with more people is seemingly making childbirth more competitive and putting added pressure on mums-to-be, with a third admitting to refusing pain relief for fear of being judged.
One fifth of mums felt that having a caesarean section meant they had 'failed' at giving birth.
Siobhan continued: ‘The crowdbirthing phenomenon may not suit everyone but being part of the birth is an honour and privilege which unites friends and family like nothing else.’
According to the survey, mothers-in-law are now the most popular birthing supporter after the new mum’s partner and mother.
What about granddad? Well, one in 25 chose their own father to be present in the delivery room to witness the birth of his grandchild.
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