How do you feel about kids in the room during delivery?

katie277s

I am watching a baby story while waiting for my first doctor appointment, and this family has all 3 boys in the room while the mom is pushing.  I would guess they are between 6-9 years old.  Two of the boys had to leave, and one stayed and just stared. 

How do you feel about this?  If your kids were this old, would you want them in the room with you?

****This is assuming they are allowed in the room.  I know with H1N1, no one is allowed, but assuming that wasn't the case.****

veloelle

For me personally, I do not want my children in the room. My rule is that the only people allowed in the delivery room are necessary medical personnel and the baby daddy.

xbrooklyngrl

Its not for me. I don't see any reason to expose kids to that, I don't think they "get it" I also wouldn't want to watch before I had kids or let anyone who hasn't had kids watch, its pretty traumatic! lol

CleoKitty

Too many variables- it just depends. If the child is interested, prepared, and has an escape (ie: another adult present to take them elsewhere if it gets too intense or scary for them) then yes.

Ds was present when dd was born and was fine with it, but he was exceptionally prepared and had a friend to take him if he wanted/needed to leave. He ended up spending most of my labor watching Disney movies in the other room and would just occasionally come in to see what was happening, then go back to his movie. It helps that I have very fast, relatively easy labors and that I'm not a screamer. 

In other cases, no. I've been present at other births that I would not want my child seeing. It really just depends. 

shopgirl78

At my hospital, you have to be 14 to stay during the pushing phase.  I wouldn't want my children there anyway, it would be so distracting...

amiamish

personally... Nope, they don't need to be in there. I will only have DH and I in there and MAYBE my mom-doubtful though. DS can come in after I'm done and cleaned up-he doesn't need to see me all stressed and pushing.

Yodajo

veloelle:

For me personally, I do not want my children in the room. My rule is that the only people allowed in the delivery room are necessary medical personnel and the baby daddy.

Ditto.

Hope your appt goes well!!

npeacock

veloelle:

For me personally, I do not want my children in the room. My rule is that the only people allowed in the delivery room are necessary medical personnel and the baby daddy.

This. I don't want anyone else in there that doesn't absolutely need to be.

Sue_sue

Not a fan. My thoughts are that kids don't need to see any such thing. 

suzymarie

I am fine with it if they want to be there, but I would prefer they be up at my head, not staring at my hooha.

That said, I am having a homebirth and I think DS is young enough that he would be freaked out by it.  OTOH if he wants to be there it is ok, bc I think at age 2 it isn't going to scar him for life- he won't remember.