XP: what to do with DD during L&D

Sarahb34743

DD has said this entire pg that she wants to be with us during labor but NOT during delivery, which is fine, I dont want her tramatized! lol DH wants her there as well, he really thinks important for the family.

Only problem is, we dont have family here, we dont really have close friends. So what can I do with DD during delivery?! Its not like someone will come sit with her during that time. I told her last night that if I'm induced than she can come hang out with us until its time than she can go to her friends house and daddy will come get her when Noah is born. BUT if I go naturally, I plan to stay home as long as possible, so when we leave she should stay home w/her friends until the baby comes. She doesnt like not being at the hospital when he comes. WDYT?

true_norskie

I don't have too many suggestions to offer but wanted to say that I only pushed for 15 minutes the second time around--as opposed to 1.5 hours the first time.  It might be a really short period of time (of course, the "repair" took a little bit of time afterward, too). 

Good luck with everything!

Zenya

well what is your plan for her overnight?

angiemackey

Truly no offense meant by this, but isn't there just as much chance that she'll be traumatized by the labor as the delivery?  My second labor was only 4 hours long and was SUPER INTENSE from start to finish.  I would not have wanted Ben to see me like that, my husband and my mom were both very scared by how much pain I was in.  I did not end up going naturally, but I did get to 10 cm before getting the epidural, so it was as if I had labored naturally, just not delivered.  Just my 2 cents.  I know your daughter is 10 and not 3, but I think it can still be very scary for a child to see their mother in severe pain.

Zenya

angiemackey:

Truly no offense meant by this, but isn't there just as much chance that she'll be traumatized by the labor as the delivery?  My second labor was only 4 hours long and was SUPER INTENSE from start to finish.  I would not have wanted Ben to see me like that, my husband and my mom were both very scared by how much pain I was in.  I did not end up going naturally, but I did get to 10 cm before getting the epidural, so it was as if I had labored naturally, just not delivered.  Just my 2 cents.  I know your daughter is 10 and not 3, but I think it can still be very scary for a child to see their mother in severe pain.

I actually agree with this and had a very similar labor (no epi until 10).  I could barely look at DS as our friend was taking him away.  I was just completely out of it.  Paralyzed with the pain.

I know someone who had her DD there but they did a lot of prep, videos.. visiting the birth center, etc.  

Sarahb34743

Well because of my heart condition I wont be allowed to be in too much pain. As soon as it gets to a certain point meds and epi will be on hand. Her friend is our neighbor. They have offered to stay with her or have her stay with them over night. But I really dont know if they'd come sit with her in the hospital, I plan on doing the L&D tour this week so if she can not sit in the waiting room with a nurse I'll ask the neighbor....its just a lil weird.