Should younger siblings be included in watching the birth?

Question

It's nice that younger siblings are included in everything, but in giving birth? I saw on TV that a mother let her 4-6 year old daughter in the birthing room, and this lady was stark naked in a tub, giving birth on her hands and knees, with her big boobs and her big belly hanging down, and screaming? Should kids really be watching as their mother, aunt, whoever is screaming and cussing and pushing the baby out? I totally get letting kids rub the belly or explaining in kid terms about childbirth, but this seems nuts.

Answer 1

I'm the mother and I don't like watching birth myself! LOL

No, I don't believe young children should watch a baby being born. Seeing their mother in a painful, intense situation can be very stressful for them, and they've already got plenty to deal with just accepting a new family member into their life. And yes, I actually do think the nudity factor is important. If they walk in on you as you're getting out of the shower that's one thing, but to deliberately choose to let them view your genitals for hours on end is not a healthy thing - even if birth is a "miracle."

I'm pretty old-fashioned about this even though I'm just in my twenties. Personally, I don't believe men ought to be forced to be in the delivery room, either, especially if they are uncomfortable. Birth is not just an amazing thing, it's also painful, intense and quite often overwhelming and scary. All that mom really requires is a good doctor or midwife and possibly another calm and experienced woman nearby for help and support.

I never asked or expected my husband to be in the delivery room, but he did ask to be there for our first two and will for the third (due this week), so that's fine.

Having "spectators" at the birth is counter-productive, I think, especially given the fact that you never know when there might be a problem or emergency. Mom doesn't need any distractions, nor should she feel like she has to put on a good face for her husband or kids or the camera or whatever else has been allowed into the room.

Answer 2

I know many kids who were present at their siblings births. My kids have all seen birth shows on TV.

My kids are all two years apart, so 7.5 years, 5.5 years and 3.5 years right now. When the youngest was born, the others were 2 and 4 years old. I almost let them attend the birth. I think the 4 year old would have done great, but I was worried about the 2 year old. When I decided that she needed to go to the GP's house, I sent her big brother with her so she wouldn't be lonely.

The only thing is, if you do have your kids present at their siblings birth, then there should be one adult who has the sole responsiblity of looking after the kids. That way if they need to step out, there is someone to take care of them and Dad doesn't have to go with them and can stay with Mom.

I should probably add that if mom is having an unmedicated birth, a birth center birth or a home birth I think it's great to include siblings. In an intervention-filled hospital birth, I think the kids might be a bit too scared.

Answer 3

well i think it depends on each endevedual case , yes giving birth is a joyous occasion and i believe in letting other siblings be involved with the new baby as soon as possible , yes mothers let the siblings rub there bellys when expecting , they take them to the doc appointments to see the ultra sound and hear the heart beat , so yes the child should be allowed to be in the birthing room if its ok with the hospital etc , one thing parents need to do is tal to the child/children who r going to be in the room and explain to them wha t may happen and what may not happen and they should also get vidieos or dvds to watch with the child that show the diffrnet stages of labor and stop it once in awhile to explain to te child 2what has happened in the dvd or video so that if she or he sees it happening during delivery they will know that its part of life etc , most young kids have seen there mom completly naked so tha t may not be nothing new to the child , but seeing mom in pain may be a bit scary for the child and may cause the child to get scared and start crying etc , so all i can say to thos e who are planin g on letting there kids attend the birth , is to educate the the child about the birthing process , if they see there pets giving birth it may help but its not all the same

another thing children dont need to be be right at the reieving end and most of the time thers a sheet draped over th e moms legs untill the baby is showing and then the doc is right there , and th e mother is normally weraing a gown that covers her breast so there not completly exposed , but like i said before each one has there own circumstances etc and i think it should be left to each family to decide on whos there and whos not there

Answer 4

OK, I guess if the youth knows about birth it might be OK. I grew up in a farming community, so saw birth of animals many times. I'm not sure I would want to witness the birth my sister gave, or my mother would give. That's just me, and I don't see anything morally wrong with it. Just not sure someone that young can understand it all.

I think what ever you decide is the right decision!

Answer 5

It depends on the child. Some will be fine seeing birth, some it will be hard on.

My then 4 1/2 year old was not there for the labor part but as soon as I was pushing she came in. Not only did she get to see her sister born but she was able to touch the head as it was coming out. She had begged me for week to be able to do this. It is very special for her to see the video and remember being there.

Answer 6

absolutely nuts nobody knows if things may start to go wrong at the last minute,and then the child may start crying and cause panic itself,its bad enough when a father faints because of the blood let alone a screaming child,and it would put them off for life

Answer 7

You peole are nuts!!!
I am amazed at what people in US do these days.
Anyone can be in that room. From moms , in laws cousins etc etc.

This is sick. My husband was the ONLY one who was in that room , no exception for anybody else, let alone your children , young or older.
What happened to PRIVACY?
Is this a show to go and see mom, daughter , cousin scream and give birth? They can wait outside and come in once the baby is born.
This is ridiculous. It is done because is fashionable? or whats the point? They are not helping in anything.

Answer 8

I have a 5 year old and would never let him watch that. It's not a matter of the nudity, it's the stress watching the extreme pain of child bearing would have on him. He worries when I cut my finger, I can't imagine him seeing me give birth.

Answer 9

Seems pretty nuts to me as well. Watching your mother give birth is scary for a child. I would never have my child present during childbirth.

Answer 10

I would let an older child watch the birthing process