Should children witness childbirth?

Answer 1

Depends on the age of the child and if they want to..

If you decide to have your child present to watch a younger sibling being born make sure to have a trusted adult assigned to the child, if the child decides at any point during labor or delivery "I have changed my mind" thier trusted adult pal immediately leaves the room with them...

When my youngest child was born my 2 older children(ages 9 and 10) thought they wanted to watch until the first big contraction associated with pushing hit and there was a bit of spotting at which time my daughter (10) said "Cya mom I am going home." my son just turned while and said "I am so glad I am not a girl" LOL Our close family friend and honorary Grandma Joann was there to take the kids home if and when they changed thier minds.... She actually took them to Mconalds to play for a while knowing it wouldnt be long before she could bring them back to see thier sister...

The trusted frend/pal is also there to explain things as they go along answer all the kids questions and such ... While you will have discussed it all neforehand and probably watches a video or 2 the pal can answer questions that come up along the way... And questions will come up...

If the child wants to watch allow them the oppurtunity but also give them a clear safe out if they cange thier mind at anytime...

Answer 2

I have mixed feeling about this...Part of me says yes, depending on Maturity and age. This could be a very good learning experience for children....And I don't know about these other women...I didn't scream when I had my baby..........
And the other part of me says no. Something about a child witnessing this makes me worry a bit because I'm not sure how they would handle it.
Really I think it would come down to how much you have talked to your child about sex and pregnancy. If you have explained this to them, then I don't believe that it would be too harmful for them to be present to witness the miracle of child birth. Does the child want to be there??? Did you explain what happens when a woman has a baby??? There are many questions that need to be addressed before a decision like this is made!!
***Perhaps video taping the birth could be an alternate option.....

Answer 3

That is a headscratcher for me ... For example , two old and wonderful friends of mine did the breathing and childbirth classes ... but the time came late... and the birth was difficult... it required a C-section ...
It is hard to advocate hiding certain natural processes from children, which we could assume will simply interact with an innocent sensibility ... but I can contemplate some varied viccissitudes where this might really cause them some trauma ... for example- if there were a fatality of the mother or sibling this could irrationally imprint their fragile disposition with some guilt and prolonged pschological problems...

Answer 4

My daughter went with me to the OB/Gyn for each check up with a different question about her soon-to-be-born sibling. She listened to the heartbeat, saw the ultrasound and it made her very much a part of the experience. However, she did not witness her brother being born. She was only five and it could be terribly frightening to someone that small to watch something so intense and painful. For older children it might be less traumatic. Though it is a beautiful experience, it might not be one that children want to participate in.

Answer 5

I think it depends on the child. But in general I think it is a terrific thing to share with a child. It really saddens me that our culture turns everything that is natural in this world into something gross and taboo. Seriously. We think we have to shield our children from everything, including childbirth. We tell women to breastfeed in restrooms rather than offend someone. We think nudity is disgusting. Sometimes I really hate the western culture. Giving birth is normal and beautiful. Yes, it can be frightening and I think if you have a child that has a weak disposition then you should maybe not let them be there. But I've known families who have allowed their children to be there and it is a wonderful thing.

Answer 6

I see no reason they should not. My husband and I wanted my 13 yr old daughter to witness it so that she'd be able to fully understand what was going on {she is developmentally delayed due to profound prematurity}. She attended all the ultrasounds, and all the OB appointments {until she was hospitalized}. Unfortunately she was not able to attend because she remained in the hospital for 5 months. When her baby brother was brought into the PICU to meet her I don't think she understood where he came from. As far as "neurologically intact" children attending. Again I see no reason they should not other then the fact they might get in the way. Maybe video tape it {if your comfortable} and show them.

Answer 7

Depends on the age and maturity level. I'd say at maybe 10 or 11 years old they might be able to handle it. Maybe if they were younger like 2 or 3 because they wouldn't understand what was going on anyway. Anywhere between those ages I'd say it was a bad idea. If you're thinking of having your child in there while you're giving birth, then just make sure there is someone there who can take them out of the room if they get uncomfortable.

Answer 8

No, I wouldn't let my children witness childbirth. They are too young to understand and would find it scary seeing blood and hearing alot of screaming.

Answer 9

My nephew was around 8 and witnessed my daughter being born. He's close to being an adult now and has had no regrets.

I was reading some other answers and had to come back. He understood what was happening and stayed willingly the whole time. I was concerned about it being scary for him, but he was fine.

Answer 10

Wow 0 it extremely is unquestionably an fairly very stressful question. I certainly have an 8 year previous and in my opinion i can't enable her close to the beginning. she will come to the well-being facility as quickly as the toddler is born. i think of that to be certain your mom in such soreness and misery might desire to be difficult for a baby. regardless of in case you have defined that it extremely is typical. I extremely bear in mind having an undesirable time with having her - screaming, crying, shouting - no longer something i might like her to be certain. Arguably it could have an result on how the baby then feels relating to the hot toddler - you brought about mummy lots soreness?? i don't be attentive to yet its a no from me in this one - just to be on the risk-free component.