Older Child in Delivery Room?

Question

Anyone have experience with allowing their older child to be in the delivery room? My daughter will be 9 and I am considering allowing her to be in the room. Thoughts?

Answer

I've assisted with deliveries where younger children were allowed in the room for the delivery and personally, I wouldn't do it. The children get scared and upset seeing their mothers in pain. I honestly believe there is no place in the delivery room for children under 14. They don't need to see the birthing process - they're far too young.

Answer

I offered it to my daughter (almost 9).  We watched a birthing video though and she declined. She said she wants to meet her brother "when he's clean".

Answer

Totally depends on you and your family. I've seen it be a really sweet experience!!

Answer

My hospital and midwife allows chidren over the age of six if they have gone through the hospital sponsored sibling class and they have an adult accompanying them in case they need to leave the room. My seven year old had Strep and the flu when I gave birth or he would have been there. He was very disappointed that he missed it.

Answer

I wouldn't.  It's a lot to handle even for an adult, and then who is going to focus on the 9 year old if they freak out?

Answer

I actually don't think a 9 year old is ready for that experience.  I'm all for talking to them and being honest about the process, but having them live the experience is a diffrent story and can be traumatizing.

Answer

I thought about this with my oldest and then the dr talked me out of it because they were nervous that it might scare the heck out of my son

Answer

Too many unknowns. Even if you've had uneventful deliveries before, you never know how this one will be. I would love to bring my daughter, if I could guarantee I wouldn't have to be rushed off for a c section, wouldn't have to be cut, and that baby would come out crying- not having to be worked on by a bunch of doctors and nurses then rushed away (those aren't even the worst case scenarios, just the ones I can bring myself to imagine). Those things are traumatizing for adults, I can't even imagine how a 9 year old would process them. Obviously, odds are your delivery will be a straight forward one. Best of luck with your decision!

Answer

I was in the room at 10 when my brother was born. I actually watched the birth too. I wasn't freaked out and really don't even remember it. Just make sure you explain everything to her so she will know what to expect.

Answer

No children

Older Child in Delivery Room?

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