Should my 5 year old be in the delivery room?

Question

Soon, my husband and I will be ttc baby #2, 
And I would love this to be an amazing experience since I have a 5 year old son. 
I want him to be involved in every single event that has to do with his sibling. 
How can I start explaining him where baby's come out from since I want him in the delivery room with me. 
Should he see the whole action when that day comes? (Baby coming out from vagina). 
Thank you in advance :)! 
No rude comments please.

Answer

So, I wouldn't have a child that young in the delivery room but that's just me personally. I fee like birth can be pretty graphic and they're awful young to be seeing mommy bleeding everywhere, potentially screaming in pain, and if there's an emergency I think that could very much traumatized a child that young. There's a reason, in my opinion, that we don't start giving birth at that age and obviously children at that age are too young to be parents but also I'm not sure they're physically, mentally, and emotionally ready for the process. That all just my opinion though and I know others feel differently! In the end it's 100% up to you!

Answer

It's totally up to you of course. I saw my friend deliver her son....like up close and personal. It's not something I'd want my 5 yr old to witness. I know for sure I wouldn't want to see my own mother push a baby out. Washing my eyes out with bleach would be preferable.

Answer

I was four when my youngest brother was born. My Mother had a home delivery in her bedroom. I was asleep for most of it but right before it was time for my brother to come, my grandmother woke me up and brought me into the room. I even "helped" cut the umbilical cord (though there were probably 4 other people holding my hand and the scissors).

It is, today, one of my strongest, oldest, and happiest memories as a child.

Answer

I think it depends on you and your husband and your child's maturity/ comfort level with chaos. I don't have any kids but I have seven nieces and nephews and I know some of them would probably be curious/ interested and some would care less and at least one would be horrified. If you are fairly calm during labor and delivery and you've prepared your child for what will happen and they seem interested in the idea and they aren't freaked out by blood or anything then as long as your husband is comfortable I don't see why not. If you are delivering in a hospital, I would recommend knowing in advance whether they haves calm demeanor about childbirth or not. If you as parents are clam and the environment is stressful the child may still not be okay with it. Also, be prepared for the child to change their mind. Maybe have a close friend/ in law that wouldn't mind taking the child out of the room at your/ your hub's request if the child starts to be distressed.

Answer

Ummmmmm. I'm actually due this Sept and my boy will be 5.  I don't plan on bringing him in until labor is over.  I don't want to traumatize him, I'm not even sure my hospital will allow him there.  He rushes over to me if baby kicks me too hard- so I cannot imagine him seeing me in the delivery room.  Why not have him there in early labor when contractions aren't so bad and then brought in after baby is born?  Experts are actually divided on the issue, but read this article on babycenter.com.  It gives an unbiased view on this subject.

Www.babycenter.com/0_preparing-your-child-to-attend-a-siblings-birth_176.bc

Answer

Ammm I'm not sure, would it maybe be a bit frightening seeing mummy in pain and blood ect :-/

Answer

NO!!!!!! Please !

Answer

My first thought is that labor can be 24 or 36 hours long so I doubt you want him in the whole time. That being said having him in at the end when baby comes out would be neat. I wouldn't have him holder your leg or anything, but sitting on that little day bed or chair they provide with an activity to do incase it gets to much for him is appropriate I think.

Answer

Yes, if he is OK with it !

Answer

There are some good books out there for kids about sex and babies. See what your bookstore recommends.

As to the delivery, he may not be interested. It can be a long and boring day full of waiting for a child. Even if you bring him and want him there, still be sure to have a back up plan if he needs to leave, go to bed, or gets ultra bored.

Should my 5 year old be in the delivery room?

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