Is this a bad idea?

Question

I was just pondering the idea today of maybe having my 2 year old daughter in the room when I deliver.Is this not a good idea? Has anybody done this? Is it even allowed?Of course I wouldn't even think about this if I didnt think she could handle it. I just would like the idea of her being there to share this time with us.What do you think? Is she too young?

Answer 1

Did your daughter ever see you cry???? Mostly the child crys even more when mommy crys. I think she will know too much allready without you showing her your personall life. You know kids do everything mommy does?? She might practice when you aren't looking. She propably will ask a lot of questions, and you'll explain your best, but she understand it different then you think! Just saying, be carefull! I don't think that will be too good for her little brain! Best of luck, and Congrats!!

Answer 2

I think she is too young. She won't understand what's going on and she will most likely get really upset seeing you in so much pain. Also, when the baby is delivered and bloody and well, yucky looking she could get even more upset at this. I'm not sure if it's allowed but I don't think it's a good idea. She may get in the way also and just aggrivate the hospital staff. My son is four and I'm due on Monday and we thought about it when I first found out I was pregnant but quickly decided that it wasn't a good idea. It could be tramatic for a young child.

Answer 3

I think it is a WONDERFUL idea. She is just as much a part of this as you and your husband. It's also I think important for her to be there so she doesn't feel confused about the birth. I am pregnant and have a 3 year old and she is going to be there with us. We have been watching all the baby shows on Discovery so it somewhat prepares her. Although I think it is a fabulous idea I am going to make sure she stays beside me while I'm delivering. I want her to be there but not be scared with everything going on at the other end. I need her to see that the baby is no longer in mommy's tummy. I'm afraid she won't be able to piece it together if she's out in the waiting room. She might still think the baby is still in my tummy. I would much rather her be there with me and experience the wonderful joys we will be celebrating that day. Good luck to you and I think it's great you are thinking of having her in there with you. :)

Answer 4

I would say she is too young for the actual birth part and many hospitals don't allow toddlers/preschooler (our hospital says they must be school age).

I would say to have someone taking care of her and she can be the very first one to come in from the waiting room to meet the new baby. My older kids were always in the waiting room and came into the delivery room just after delivery.

If you want a "family" birth then you might look more into home births. But kids that little are often frightened by birth and may even feel mad at the baby for hurting their mommy.

Answer 5

I know people who have done this. Personally, I wouldn't. My daughter couldn't handle it, plus she would always want something. She wouldn't be old enough to realize that I was the one who needed attention right then. But that's my daughter, not yours. I would go ahead and bring her in once the baby is born. As far as it being allowed, you will have to check with your hospital. Where I delivered, there are a lot of factors: age, time of year, if they are sick, whether they have had a flu shot, etc. Call them up or see if they have a website. Congratulations!

Answer 6

I think she is too young she will probably be scared to see mommy in so much pain... I wanted to be in the room when my mom had my little brother and she said she thought I was a little too young and I was 11 years old at the time and I think I could have handled it at that age but not much younger!

Answer 7

This something that only you can be the judge of. If you feel your daughter is able to handle it then yes. I wouldn't recommend allowing her to actually watch the delivery part it may spark new questions about her own body and scar her a little. But allowing her to be part of the birth is a wonderful idea and may help her to bond more easily with her sibling, and make her feel less jealous.

Good luck

Answer 8

I've heard many very positive stories about having families and children in the delivery room. I think it can be a very special experience for all of you... I think you need to talk to your daughter about what she might see and hear... Let her know that mommy might cry, or make scary sounds, but ensure her ahead of time that you will be alright. Make sure you have a backup person (not your husband) to keep an eye on her or take her out of the room if she does get scared, or somthing happens...

Congratulation...

Answer 9

I think you are her mother and you know her best. If you think she can handle it, you would know. But if you are looking for a reasonable argument on the subject, think on this: for thousands of years women have been having babies at home (they still do in most countries). Siblings often were present and helped out. It is a natural part of life. Most hospitals allow children into the delivery room. That is just my personal opinion.

Answer 10

I personally wouldn't allow my 2 year old in the room. But really it is up to you, I have seen people with their children in the room, and some kids were freaked out and some where calm. If you do decide to do it make sure you have somebody to take her if it is too much for her.