Discovery Home & Health

Just wondering what people think about their child or chilren being present at the birth of their next baby, or if you have already done this, if so how did it go?

Question:
Would you have your child present at your next birth?

Choices:
Yes, Definatley.. Its only a natural.
No, It would mentally scar them for life!
Maybe, if all was going ok in labour.
I already have done this (please tell us about it!)
Other..

 

I did this at Brias birth. It was a planned home birth and I had agreed before hand that if everything was going well, the kids could stay if they wanted too. It was the day after Easter bank holiday Monday and by the time labour was established, the kids were getting up for school but when they saw I was in labour, they asked if they could stay home. Liam decided to go to school. Cara (8 at the time) was there the whole time and was a massive help rubbing my back and such like and Jade (16 at the time) stayed upstairs and came down surprisingly to me for the crowning of baby bria. Cara even cut the cord and both said they were glad they were there although Jade said she was never having a baby. lol. Thats fine with me, shes got plenty of time to change her mind as as for Cara, she wants to be there again if we have another baby. She was so calm and mature, I was afraid it would distress her but she was great and my two little girls have a special bond now.

Are you thinking about this angel.



Trad

Hi Trad!! How are you?!
Well i know i have to have a hospital birth, and dont know what their policy is regarding children being present.
But its more Dd's idea than mine and said she would really really love to be there, she is 9 and very grown up for her age, she watches all the birth programmes with me, has done since i was pg on Ds, so i know she isn't shocked by birth.. I know i wouldn't scare her too much, lol, as i am not a screamer when it comes to labour! And the last birth was only 2 hours from getting to hospital being 0cm to pushing her out, so i know (hope!) she isn't going to be waiting around for hours..
my only doubts are..
what if there are complications.. obviously,
What if i decide i cant be doing with having her there?
I need all Dh's attention so how can he look after her aswell.

I don't think it will happen but if there is a chance my midwife says its ok, we may so just wanted to know what people thought about it really!

Nice to hear from you trad,
Emma. x

hi angel

If it were me I'd have someone on standby to come collect DD if things don't go to plan (maybe a friend or relative) so that all DH has to do is phone through or text saying ok shes had enough (or like you say you might have had enough...!) then you are covered.

I would say yes definately otherwise - why not? She will need to know about it sooner or later and 9 is a good age to start learning about life. And to be fair if it makes her think twice about getting pregnant anytime soon thats hardly a bad thing is it?! You can relax through secondary school then!

Ha! Lol,..
Ever,..thats exactly what Dh said.. "at least she wont be in a hurry to get pg anytime soon seeing a baby be born!"

But this isn't the idea to put her off having kids, its purely what she has asked for, at the moment! she may change her mind before B-day, and i have no problem with that,

Thanks for everyone that took the time to vote in the poll! Intresting to se what people think!

Emma. x

go for it angel! i think it would be a special experience for her. As you said, shes mature for her age, shes seen it on the telly tons of times....if anything it will make her bond with the baby exta special
if i had a 9 year old girl, id think about doing it too.
good luck hunnie....i hope the hospital agree xxxxx

Thanks for that michie..
Emma. x

Hi Angel
This last time I Had Liberty at a birth center and my 4 boys at the time (6,8,9 and 10) were present. I had Liberty in a birthing pool so they couldn't see alot of bits-I could have worn a tshirt if I wanted to. One of them left the room while she was crowning but ultimately came back and was the only one brave enough to cut the cord. I would always choose to have them there but we had no choice as there was noone available to look after them. You know your children and your family best but i know my boys were so proud to have been there.
Good Luck with your decision.

Thanks for your reply baby usa! It must have been such a lovely experience for you to have all your other children there!!

Emma. x

hi angel,

this is bubs number 1 for me, so can't offer advice from a mums point of view, but i was present for the birth of my brother at age 13, my sister was also there aged 11. it was a wonderful experiance for both of us, and i would definatly have my kids present for a syblings birth if they wanted to be there.

my mum had a home birth with my lil bro and only let us in when she was ready push, and knew all was going well, this maybe an option for you to consider, is there someone who could wait outside the delivery room with her until the last minute? then she would only be there for the big moment!