Older siblings at birth

mandiroze

I'm not pregnant yet, but I'm already thinking about the logistics of having our daughter with us at the birth of our next child.  I will hopefully be using a free-standing birth center and they are super supportive of older siblings at the birth, but (for good reason) require that there is someone specifically there to watch the child.  We don't have family in the area and our friends have young children so I can't imagine they'll be able to leave them at home and accompany us at the birth center for the entire labor.  What do you think about me hiring someone (maybe a doula) to stay with my daughter?  I would like the person to get to know her well before the birth so she is comfortable with her, so maybe I could hire her to babysit and spend time?  Is it likely that I would even be able to find someone willing to do this? 

Sawyerplus1

I think I've heard of doulas acting in this capacity, specifically at home births, but it could be worth looking into! Otherwise I'd talk to some friends about it too. It could be possible, with a little arranging, for them to attend and help you in that way.You'll need someone to watch your daughter regardless, right?  I myself am a doula and have a 5, 3, and 1 year old. It takes some coordinating, but I'm able to leave to be with my clients (thankfully babies are often born at night!) . 

mandiroze

All my close friends have young children/babies and all are breastfeeding, so them leaving their little ones is not likely.  They would be able to watch my little one if she can stay at their home, but they wouldn't be able to leave theirs. 

I will start looking into doulas.  Hopefully with this much notice, we can figure something out!

SarahinMD

That's what my mom did--either a doula or midwife intern she found through birth center

halfthetree

I would be hiring a doula for myself and then see if you can find a student doula who needs the experience being at a birth but isn't really counting on the hours to count towards her certification?

Or you might be surprised at how willing a friend might be to come help you. I would have no problem leaving my DH and son for a day or night to help a birthing friend out.