Im pregnant and have been asked to be at a friends birth?

Question

For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to see a baby being born, I am 4 months pregnant and my friend has asked me to be there for the birth of her baby in November (I will be 7 months).
She said she understood if I say no as Im pregnant too. I really want to be there but am not sure how I will react at the time. I want to be useful to her as she does not really have anybody else. But I have a feeling I may panic as I know that not long after that I will be going through the same thing...
Please tell me what you think?

WI MOM what a pointless comment to make, that is none of your business. Silly person!!

Answer 1

i think you should sit down and think about it carefully. then if you decide to say yes (and by all means do!) let her know that you may have to leave the room- which i'm sure she'll be prepared for. my sister is having her 1st baby in december and if she asks me to be there i sure will! i'm due in march. i've been at 2 births besides my own 2 kids- and it was a wonderful/scary/intense thing to witness. but if you don't want to go then let her know that you would normally jump at the chance but are apprehensive about being at her birth while 7 mos pregnant.

Answer 2

While this has to be your own decision and not decided because your friend needs you, I personally think it would be good experiance for you.

Every woman's delivery is different. Her's could be easy or hard, and yours could be like hers or very different.

Most deliveries in the United States result in healthy babies and mothers. A few have complications which result in death in mother, child or both. However, this is very rare. Just be prepared to move out of the way if any emergency comes up and leave the room if you become too upset.

I think you can be there for your friend while staying true to your own needs. If it is true that the babies father won't be there and your friend has nobody else, then please, strongly consider going. It is difficult to give birth alone only among strangers, as I know personally, from experiance. This is how I gave birth to my first child, and I had to have an emergency surgery C-Section. My husband was away at the time and we had moved to a state away from our families. I would really have appreciated a friend with me!

However, it has to be your decision. If you truly think you can't handle it then don't go. I think you are a lot stronger than you think. This is a normal thing which women go through bringing forth new life. I know she will appreciate your presense, even if you wind up having to leave the room a time or two. Just be there and hold her hand, help her breath, and push.

I have been to four deliveries and loved every experiance. One nearly resulted in the death of my neice, who was being born. She wasnt breathing after she was born and the Dr.'s almost weren't able to save her. It was horrid watching them try to get her to breath, but I still would not have missed it for the world because my sister in law needed me. I have a special connection with that child because of what we went through together. She is a blessing in our lives.

Think long and hard about this. Think how you would feel all alone giving birth, with nobody you know beside you. It is not the same having the nurses there, they don't know the women they are helping and it is just not the same. It is really tough giving birth all alone. Trust me on that count.

Good luck with both your deicion and your own birth experiance. It is really beautiful and I sincerely hope you attend it.

Answer 3

It is great insight and you will not panic because all women are different. Yes there is pain and some of react and tolerate it differently and after all that each of you go through you will have at the end a healthy happy gorgeous baby. What you can do is attend the classes with her and go through them with her so that you will know first hand what to expect when your time comes, because regardless if you panic or not, someone in the hospital will take care of her and you will know that it won't change what is going to happen when you deliver.

Answer 4

I think it would be really nice for you and her. It's very special to share that with someone and it's always nice to have a support system. Since she doesn't have anyone it would be great for you to be by her side and get a little extra insight on what to expect even though each delivery is different. Being 7 months pregnant you wont be able to run and around but be able to sit and chat with her while she is sitting waiting for that moment she can push. You can always walk out if you feel to weak in the knees. I would go for it!

Answer 5

Get a copy of "The Birth Partner" by Penny Simkin; after you read it decide if you're still willing to be there for your friend. It (the book) will tell you what you need to know to help your friend through labor, including giving you a good idea of what might be expected of you and some of the emotions you might feel. Support during labor and delivery is one of the most precious gifts you can give a friend but only if you feel strong enough to handle it.

Answer 6

I think it might be a good thing for you to be there. It might help you out in the long run. I was there for my sisters birth and I'm now 23weeks. I loved b/c I now know how it can feel and how beautiful it is to see something like that. It will also give you the idea weather or not you will want med's or go natural. You might have the idea to have natural birth but seeing a birth for yourself will help you out.
Go for have fun! Tell your friend I said good luck!

Answer 7

Its not as bad as everyone might have you think

your not gonna be in pain, and you won't experience pain in the same way as her.

I have delivered 3 children but never saw a baby being born in person

I would love to be there for the birth of a child

I would say go for it, and if your scared you can just step out side the room til you relax a bit OK

Good luck

Meg

Answer 8

Im Sorry Honey. i'm no longer gonna misinform you being pregnant is long and complicated and for a 13 twelve months previous you probable won't have the skill to deal with it even nevertheless this is lots much less stressful once you have the excellent help. So first ingredient you're able to be able to desire to DO is tell your mothers and fathers, that's one ingredient you're able to be able to desire to do in case you haven't any longer achieved it yet. they're going to probable be indignant, yet in spite of this no offence i does no longer precisely be proud if my 13 twelve months previous daughter became pregnant. After doing that, determine you tell the daddy of the newborn, he will probable deny it and be indignant yet have confidence me if your loved ones is in the back of you, you will no longer probably choose him around. Then, tell your instructors. At 13, you should probable only pull out of school with in 2 months of the being pregnant, and get domicile-training or tution to keep away from the back-chat and rumors. Then, tell your only right buddy, who could desire to be in trouble-free terms your only right buddy and not some back-stabbing, huge-mouthed *****. human beings will start to make certain once you get larger, yet you won't be in a position to keep away from it.

Answer 9

I think it would be great to be there. I was there when my best friend had her son and it was amazing. I don't think I was fully prepared though. I had been there for my Mom when she delivered my little sister, but was only 11 and not depended on for much. Make sure you go to birthing classes with her, if you are going to be her only support. If you think you are strong enough then do it. I would hate for your friend to be all along though.

Does she not have any family that she is close too?

Answer 10

I think in reading your explanation of it that you know deep down that it would not be good for you. It sounds like you're not the type to panic just for the heck of it, or panic easily, but that you do protect yourself from situations that might freak you out a little. And I agree with you. You have to protect yourself right before and right after giving birth because your mind is so vulnerable around those times. Best wishes to you!!!