My son will be 3 when the new baby comes. We can not decide if we should have him be a part of the delivery or leave him with family. I want him to be as involved as possible, But i am concerned that hi seeing me in pain might scare him. Wonder what others have done.
2007-01-06 14:59:31 · 36 answers · asked by coliepollie22 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
My best friends daughter was 3 when she had her son. Her daughter, Lissy, was there through out the whole process. She even went to all of her pre-natal appointments. By the time my friend went to hospital ( she was in preterm labor and didn't know at the time) it was too late to to the epi, so she had him natural. Lissy was there, wasn't scared and she has a closer relationship with her brother because of it, I believe anyway.
If you think your son can handle it, then I say, "Go for it!!!" i have a son and i am preggo right now. He wil be almost 5 by the time i have this one and I really want him there with me for as long as possible. I think it is a great and beautiful thing to have the siblings "involved" as much as possible.
2007-01-06 15:10:52 · answer #1 · answered by Missy 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
well first I would check with the hospital to see if they allow that. The hospital I was at wouldn't let my 5 yo daughter in till after I had my son. Next if they do I would get an epidural to make sure you are in no pain and scare your son. I would also make sure you have toys for him to play with if he gets bored or a realative that can keep an eye on him. Either way he will love it or not think it's as big of a deal as you think it will be. But remember this is a time for you and the new baby to bond not for the child you already bonded with.
2007-01-06 15:14:15 · answer #2 · answered by diana h 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I would leave the toddler with family when you deliver this 2nd child ... he won't really comprehend what is going on, and the actual birth process may not be the best thing for him to witness at this tender of an age ...
Sure, have him visit the hospital AFTER the birth, and start interacting with your new baby .. but no, NOT in the delivery room .. he will be more interested in playing with everything around you ... and it could be dangerous to everyone if he is doing this.
2007-01-06 15:10:02 · answer #3 · answered by sglmom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would not want my 3 year old there. That is A LOT to see. It would be very difficult for your child to see you in that much pain. Also, think of yourself. You need to take that time to focus on you and getting that new baby into the world. I would plan on your child being the first person to be called and located somewhere w/ family/friends that he can be there shortly after birth. I would have him be the first person to meet the baby, aside from you and dad. He gets first looks, holding, etc... Grandparents won't love this idea, but they will understand. Good luck in whatever you decide!
2007-01-06 15:15:42 · answer #4 · answered by Amanda K 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
video tape it, and let him know you have it when he is older, or is curious about birth.
No one knows what can happen in a birthing situation, not even the doctor. I don't think a child of that age needs to be there, not only because it's not the best way to see mama, but because there are so many unknowns. I've participated with my friend's birth 2 times (her husband was there, too), there is no way in either time it would have been appropriate for a toddler there, and she didn't have to be rushed to get a C (though it came close on the second one because the cord got wrapped around the neck of her son).
I am sure everything will be fine, but take in account his age and understanding of the process.
2007-01-06 15:13:47 · answer #5 · answered by kaliselenite 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would leave him with family until the new baby arrives, and then someone can bring him to the hospital that night, unless they want to wait in the waiting room.
Seeing your mother in pain at that age is almost too much for a child to bear. My son is eight, and he gets scared when I get sick to my stomach with this pregnancy.
I think that he should sit it out until the baby is born. He can then be involved in being one of the first to HOLD the baby, but he doesn't have to watch the birth.
2007-01-06 15:04:53 · answer #6 · answered by <3 The Pest <3 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My 12 year old daughter was with me when I had my baby 8 months ago. When we knew she was interested, we went into great detail of what would happen. She didn't see the baby come out...she stayed up by my head...and to this day she tells everyone what an awesome experience it was. I was 13 when I saw my baby sister being born. I personally think it's okay to have your son in the room. Only if you can have someone else there to take him out when any of you are uncomfortable, it's scaring him, etc. Good luck!
2007-01-06 15:35:22 · answer #7 · answered by GraceSlickChick 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Please do not take a 3 year old child into a birthing situation. They're not emotionally equipped to deal with the situation. My 3 year old can hardly handle having his toenails trimmed let alone watching anything happening to his mommy.
Please leave your son with relatives that will spoil him and make him feel special, then have him visit the hospital once mom & newborn are settled.
I would also ask the hospital where you plan on having your baby if they have a policy about the ages of kids in the birthing room. Our hospital said NO MINORS.
2007-01-06 15:17:47 · answer #8 · answered by wwhrd 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My daughter was 10 almost 11 when I gave birth to her brother and I had her in the delivery room with me and my husband...I did have her stand up by my head so she didn`t see all the gross stuff but was able to see him the second he was born...However she told me afterward that she didn`t like seeing me in pain but thought it was really neat to see her baby brother being born...I think if the child is older and they wanted to then it`s okay but me personally don`t think I would take a little one in there..I am expecting again and my daughter has already said she wants to be there again, but her little brother will be with family..Congrats on you new baby and good luck with whatever you decide..
2007-01-06 16:15:42 · answer #9 · answered by bad kitty 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My son was 4 when I had my second baby. We had him wait in the waiting room with the rest of the family til the baby was born then we brought him in the room first before letting anyone else in so that he would be the first to see and hold the new baby. He was very happy to see the baby before everyone else.
2007-01-06 15:12:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋