Delivery Room

munchkin8590 · June 2014

Since DS found out he will be a big brother all he can talk about is being in the room when the baby is born. I'm a little uncomfortable with this since he is only 5 and I'm not really sure he understands what he will be seeing.

Any thoughts on this topic, ladies? Did/will any of you have your older kids in the room during delivery?

maryxc1 · June 2014

I definitely do not plan to have DS in there. He is two. I personally think small children aren't ready for that. I also wouldn't want to have to worry about looking and sounding too miserable for the child's sake.

Jay_Cee · June 2014

I would just tell him he can't be there when the baby comes out, but that he may come in immediately after. If that's how you feel, anyway.

I won't have my 3.5yo in there with me.

FlowerPower16 · June 2014

Obviously the choice is up to you, but personally I think it's a bad idea to have your son in there. I think DH is still traumatized by some of the stuff he saw. 5 is very young still.

LilTiger15 · June 2014

I guess it depends on your birth. I have already had one child, know what to expect. I use hypnobabies for pain relief, so my birth is a relaxing experience--no screaming or shouting. I know many women who have had their children present during their births and it was a lovely experience. I plan to have my 3 year old with me. Some moms find comfort cuddling their young children while laboring. I can't wait to do the same.

Oem617 · June 2014

Nope. I don't even want him waiting around in the hospital. Hospitals are not for kids. I plan on having my in-laws watch him and bring him to the hospital the next day.

cinnamonsugar · June 2014

2013JEM said:

1) I don't think your five year old understands what he is asking. 2) Your labor, your call. 3) Personally, I would not. And I think @ChickenOnSunday‌ is right about most hospitals.

this.

WanderingA · June 2014

DD will only be a little under 2yo when her sibling is born so she will probably be there. But, we're also planning a home birth so I don't expect her to be present the entire time, my Dad will be watching her.

If you do decide to have him in the room I would recommend watching birth videos with him and explain what is happening. Screaming can be really scary for kids but if you explain to him what is going on and he knows what to expect he might be fine!

StephanieLBerg · June 2014

The only people allowed in the delivery room are my mom and husband. Though, since I'm having a CS, I think only my husband will be able to join me, but we'll see! :-) As for any children, I feel that even teenagers shouldn't be allowed in during the delivery, not unless they are super mature for their age. Most kids won't understand what is it happening when it happens. And for teen girls, letting them be there may, or may not, spark an interest in having children at such a young age. There was a big problem with that at my high school. Over 10% of my graduating class had had a baby before graduation. Its sad, and I just feel that we shouldn't allow kids to be subjected to it when their minds aren't ready the accept to reality of the process.

court860810 · June 2014

Our daughter is almost 4 and extremely excited at the thought of being a big sis. However, I do not feel comfortable having her in the room during labor. She would freak the F out, and already has been asking me if I'm afraid of it hurting (not really sure where she got that from?)

She will be there waiting in the room with my parents and any other family waiting. I want her with me as long as possible (if feasible) and I want her to come in and meet the baby ASAP. She just doesn't need to be there for the whole experience. I was 6 when my brother was born and I wasn't in the room, nor was I upset by not being in there.

I agree though, your birth, your choice.

ems0523 · June 2014

Lmbo, I don't know why but I think that's so funny/adorable. Maybe look into a big brother/sister course where birthing classes are offered. I bet the class would touch all sorts of topics.

HerHighness · June 2014

Oh heck no! I'll be to worried about having this one to keep that one out of shit.

munchkin8590 · June 2014

@court860810‌ I completely agree with you. That's what I always thought I would do. Have him there waiting with the family so he feels included and let him in as soon as he can to meet the new addition. I'll just explain to him that there's a policy about younger kids being there during the delivery. I've already signed us up for the Sibling Readiness class that my hospital offers. It helps the older child adjust easier to the new baby.

munchkin8590 · June 2014

Thanks everyone for your input. Its really helped.

Mom2DrG · June 2014

@mCole8590‌ there is a post about this on the natural birth board. I'm mobile or I would link it for you. :-)

munchkin8590 · June 2014

@Mom2DrG‌ thanks! I'll take a look!

animalcrckr · June 2014

No, unless you are one of those women who can birth peacefully. I know for a fact that my children would be scarred for life to see me in active labor. DH, who is a medical professional himself, almost passed out at the birth of our third. My labor progressed so fast that they were still getting the epidural ready while I was ready to push. Me and transition do not go well together.

Maple403 · June 2014

I was 7 when my little brother was born. I remember waiting in the waiting area and playing games with my older brother. I also remember hearing my
Mom screaming at one point and getting very scared. I would not have been ok seeing or hearing any more than the little bit I did hear. I also remember going in right after the birth to see the baby before the cord was cut. I saw the umbilicus going under my moms gown and was rather freaked out by it. My mom is a doctor and did a lot with me and my brother to prepare us for what we'd see to hear, but it was still a big shock. Based on my memories I'd be ok with older kids 5 and up waiting outside, but not being present with me.

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