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Honored Contributor
Posts: 33,580
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Kids Present At Siblings Birth.

[ Edited ]

@suzyQ3 wrote:

I don't see anything wrong with the concept, but I do wonder about a couple things.

 

I hope that they are prepared for any contingency regarding complications that would be very frightening for the little ones.

 

Also, having witnessed the birth of my grandson, I can say that little ones, even knowing about childbirth, could be very upset by the reality of it.

 

If I were she, I would have videos in which you could filter out any scary parts.


@suzyQ3, this was exactly my thought.

 

If something were to go terribly wrong with either the mother or the baby, this could be horribly tragic for those small children.

 

For that reason alone I wouldn't do it.  There is a huge gap between kids thinking the stork brings a baby and them actually being in the delivery room.

 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,100
Registered: ‎11-15-2011

Re: Kids Present At Siblings Birth.

My oldest was four and half when her younger sister was born.  I would not have been comfortable with my older daughter in the room during delivery.  She came into the delivery room shortly after her sister was born (after the afterbirth and her sister was cleaned up). My oldest did particiapte in a siblings program at the hospital before her sister was born so she a chance to see the delivery room and had an age-appropriate understanding of what was going to happen during delivery so it would not be a shock to her when she came to visit her sister.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,515
Registered: ‎05-09-2010

Re: Kids Present At Siblings Birth.


@chrystaltree wrote:

They are much to young.  I was 23 when I had my first child and I was too young to be exposed to childbirth....LOL   


@chrystaltree LOL, exactly.  I watched a video of childbirth when I was pregnant and in my birthing class.  It scared me, and I was 26!

Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. Margaret Mead
Honored Contributor
Posts: 22,253
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Kids Present At Siblings Birth.

No, there are too many unknowns in any medical procedure. Personally, other than my own, I would have no desire to be present at any birth. I'm seriously squeamish.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,373
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

Re: Kids Present At Siblings Birth.

I hope everything goes well and the kids have a positive experience.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 37,346
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Kids Present At Siblings Birth.

People put kids and dogs in many situations today where they don't belong.  It's sad and so often could be bad for them.

 

What happened to common sense?

 

Mother made me go to my grandfather's funeral at 4 and was scared for years.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,415
Registered: ‎11-25-2011

Re: Kids Present At Siblings Birth.


@Carmie wrote:

I think the decision to have children present atthe birth of a child is a Personal one.  All though human history, people have lived in one room houses and children were present for births.

 


@Carmie 

'...present for births...' and they probably heard the baby being made,
as well.☺️ I think it's all about how it's framed.  If one thinks it's

ugly, dangerous & crazy...then that's what you'll get.  Frame it as

positive, beautiful & miracle of life...then you'll get that positivity &

love, as well. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 68,622
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Kids Present At Siblings Birth.

I guess I just utterly and completely fail to see any reason for including an audience... let alone an audience of children... Mind-numbingly silly concept...


In my pantry with my cupcakes...
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,443
Registered: ‎05-11-2013

Re: Kids Present At Siblings Birth.

20 years ago my DH was in the hospital after a heart attack.  I would go to the office for an hour to check on things and then head to the hospital. 

 

There were 2 others secretaries.  1 secretary had a trial to prep for.  I was just leaving one morning when she called the office and announced she wasn't coming in because................her neighbor of 6 months was in labor and "invited" my co-worker and her husband to be a the birth, as in watch the whole 9 yards.

My co-worker went, her husband did not.

 

The boss was livid. She was not a relative nor the Lamaze coach. She bagged a day of trial prep, knew I had to go to the hospital and left the office understaffed with 1 secretary.

 

She came within a hair of getting fired for that stunt.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 11,242
Registered: ‎10-01-2013

Re: Kids Present At Siblings Birth.

The delivery room is no place for a 3 and 5 yr. old. Why on earth would they need to witness this? I find it appalling.