Other children in labor and delivery room?

Question

Ive heard a lot about other children being there for their siblings birth nowadays, has anyone else had other children present during delivery if so how old were they and how did it go... i was thinking about having my son there but I beleive he might be a bit to young-hes 6 thanks

Answer 1

i think it's a bad idea, unless the child is over 18 i think it could be traumatic. i've heard some hospitals won't let children b present so if u do decide to bring ur son make sure it's not against hospital policy. my family also believes that funerals are for adults only so maybe i have a warped opinion

Answer 2

Personally I dont like the idea unless they are teenagers. I think that children should be outside waiting with everyone else.
I do think though that it would be an alright idea for a teenager to be present during a birth. It might make them think once or twice about having sex at a young age.

Ive arranged for my parents to watch my daughter when I go into labour.. I think it would be rather traumatising for her to see me in so much pain..she is a very sensitive person.

Answer 3

I dont have an opinion because i am still working on having my first. But i have a girl friend that had her 2 year old in the room when she had her last baby, she seemed to enjoy it, and i think for them it helped her feel like she was a part of it and not left alone for it. I think your son is old enough to decide if he wants to be there, and also able to tell you if he is scared and wants to leave. It should be up to you and your husband and your son. Good Luck

Answer 4

Children find child birth scary. They don't like to see their parents in pain, and if he thinks the baby is hurting you, he will resent the baby for that. Not a good idea. Some things are better kept out of the sight of children.

Answer 5

I had my 3 and 4 year olds in the room when I had my youngest, only because we moved out of state and I didn't have anyone to watch them! They watched a movie the whole time.

I really think it's up to you, and how mature your child is.

Answer 6

Just get permission before the big event! I had a freind who let their kids watch, the one son wanted to be a doc, so they let him in to see what it was like. The only thing I would worry about is him being upset because mommy is in so much pain, women in labor are not usually at their prettiest. :-) How does your son feel about it?

Answer 7

That is nothing for a child to see.

Children process information differently from adults, and he will NOT connect your suffering with the baby at the end of it.

He WILL, however, have nightmares about it for years, and possibly have some weird ideas about sex and women when he grows up.

I realize that most pregnant women want to make spectacles of themselves, and draw as much attention as possible from every observer, but this is not the place to do it, and your child is NOT an appropriate audience.

Answer 8

If both you and your son feel comfortable, I see nothing wrong with it, just make sure he knows what he is going to see, and I suggest that you have a grandparent or someone who can take him out if it gets to be too much. Good luck with the new baby.

Answer 9

I think thats completely gross..that is one side i dont want my kids to see me...griting my teeth and holding the bed sheets and my stretched out ****....6 is to young and too old...3 is too young nad 12 is too old...just dont put your poor kids through that...let them be outside with grandma and grandpa...wait ing on the baby like everyone else.....

Answer 10

if someone is there to watch your 6 year old is should be okay just get the okay from the midwife or doctor who delievers you!! CONGRADS AND GOOD LUCK