At what age, if at all would you allow your children to watch you give birth to thier sibling?
My daughter will be about 9 years and 4 months when this baby is born and she really wants to be in the room with me. My husand (her father) and my mother are both thinking I'm crazy and saying no way for even considering this. She loves to watch the baby story on TLC. I've told her about my birth with her and even showed her online so real videos and my dad will be in the waiting room should she change her mind.
I think that it is allright since she asked if she could watch her sister (she is dead set on it being a girl) be born. What do you think.
2007-10-20 00:39:27 · 18 answers · asked by his wife 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
I'm giving birth in the hosptiol (sadly) there are no birthing centers close. I"m only 15 weeks along lol so I've got time to check with the doctor on the hopstiols policy but a friend of mine had her entire family coming and going through her delivery so I don't think it will be a problem
2007-10-20 00:59:35 · update #1
Depends on the child's maturity and the understanding of what is going on. Baby Story on TLC blocks out the mother's private parts and the blood....so, your daughter needs to understand that she WILL see these kinds of things. However, she does have an escape route if needed so I think everything is fine as long as she wants to do it. However, you need to discuss this with the doctor....some hospitals do not allow young children in the room.
2007-10-20 00:45:52 · answer #1 · answered by September Sweetie 5 · 7⤊ 0⤋
I think that it depends on your daughters maturity level. She evidently knows what its all about if she watches a baby story, so I don't see what the big deal is about. My daughter is 9yrs. old, and I think that she could handle something like this. You could always have her sit up by your head while the baby is being born just so she doesn't see all of the blood, etc. I think that you should do what you want. It may even help her to not be a teen mom. She'll remember the pain that you were in and wait until she's an adult. Good luck and I hope you and your daughter can be together for this special event.
2007-10-20 00:49:07 · answer #2 · answered by pebbles 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If she wants to, absolutly let her. I think that is awesome. It will probably also go a lil ways in her brain about not wanting to have a baby til she is ready. I dont know how much TLC shows, so make sure she knows about the blood and the after birth and the other gross stuff.
On a personal note, consider donating your babies cord blood and placenta. It is an all around 'moral' and non harmful source of stem cells that are used everyday to save people's lives.
2007-10-20 06:27:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Explain to her the "gross" part of giving birth, the blood and such. Also explain to her that a real birth can take hours, not just the half hour/hour shown on baby story, and there could be complications.
If your dad is going to be out in the waiting room, great. If you think she's mature enough, go for it.
Birth is a natural process. If it gets to be to much for her, or should complications arise that she needs to leave then she can go out in the waiting room with your dad.
2007-10-20 15:12:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My sister had her older children present with baby number 4, and they all thought it was great.
So I asked my sonif he wanted to see 'his baby' born, and got an immediate yes. He was 4 and 1/2.
We looked at pictures of birth, videos and books, and he already knew mommmies make noise when they have babies, from visiting me at work [ in L&D ].
He loved the whole thing. We had a backup person, in case he changed his mind, but he stayed. He even fed me ice chips a few times. The only part he didn't like was the umbilical cord - said it was 'yucky'.
As soon as baby brother was out, he was wrapped, given to me, and Rob started talking to him. William bonded with him immediately - I think he recognized his voice.
They still get along great, 95% of the time, at ages18 and 23.
So do let your daughter in, but have a backup [ babysitter ]just in case.
2007-10-20 11:50:43 · answer #5 · answered by Nurse Susan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My first instinct would be no....it's not really about the birth that I think it's a bad idea but more about her seeing you in pain. I would discuss it with the doctor and see if you can arrange for her to come in right after the birth, once the baby is out and you are not pushing and screaming.....maybe have someone wait with her outside and then once the baby is delivered bring her right in. Good luck!
2007-10-20 05:47:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If she wants to be there & you're OK with it, too, then I think it's great for any child at any age to be a part of this wonderful experience. What you'll want to do, though, is to get an adult family member or friend to be there with her, able to take care of her, feed her, keep an eye on her & take her out of the room if/when she wants to go. You don't want yourself or your husband having to think about anything besides baby, when the time comes.
I was the adult who stayed with my 9-yo niece while my sister gave birth to her brother a few years ago. It was an awesome experience for both of us! Try to choose someone who's going to honor the experience & who complements your parenting style as best you can for her.
2007-10-20 04:33:39 · answer #7 · answered by Maureen 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think I'd let her, if she were my daughter. It's not like you're letting her watch you CONCEIVE the baby hahaha, there's nothing at all wrong with her being there, if you want her there. She is part of your family, and if YOU want her there, and your husband wants her there, and she wants to witness, then I say you should let her.
I was very curious when any new member of my family arrived, I think I would have loved to witness a real birth lol, good on you for being such a great mum and letting your daughter experience it too.
2007-10-20 00:46:46 · answer #8 · answered by myleslr 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think that's a good idea to let her watch giving birth to her sibling, at least she will know what mums go through to get a baby! However, I doubt that any hospital allows a child to be in the delivery room. Bear in mind that she will see how much u bleed or how they do an episiotomy.. and alone the fact that she sees u in so much agony and pain..
2007-10-20 01:00:25 · answer #9 · answered by Lemi 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
When I read your question my first thought was no, but now I'm thinking maybe it wouldn't be bad. If she is old enough to know the facts (its messy, it hurts, and so on). I would have her stand at the head of the bed, it may be a lot more to take in if she is actually watching the baby come out. Good luck!
2007-10-20 02:27:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋