Is my daughter too young to be in the delivery room?

Question

She will be 12 years old next year and she wants to be there when the baby is born. I’ve talked to her about how it might be too much for her seeing her mother in pain and everything else I mean it’s not like she will be right next to the midwife delivering but she wants to experience seeing her sibling take those first few breaths. She’s very excited about this whole pregnancy but at the same time I think it would be too much for her 🙁

Answer

I think at 12 it would be ok and if it does get to much for her maybe have your hubby quickly bring her out to waiting room or ask nurse to take her to their desk till baby is born.

Answer

You’ll have to check and see what your hospitals policy on minors in the delivery room. But I think if she feels like she can handle it- why not? It’ll normalize birth and make it a less scary thing. I saw a photo online of a 11 yr old sibling being in the room and she actually helped deliver the baby. And the expressions on her face in the pictures were priceless. The only way I could see it being a bad experience is if there was complications or some sort of trauma.

Answer

I would say don’t do it but none of us know ur child or her maturity level. I definitely wouldn’t rely on the nurses to take her and stay with her outside the room if she decides it’s too much tho, that 100% isn’t their job. I think it’ll just add more stress to everyone, I mean it’s already causing a bit of stress and u aren’t even in labor. I’d say have a back up plan ready.

Answer

I feel like that should be okay. I would maybe have another person either in the room or not too far away (like a grandma) that could take her out for a bit if she changes her mind or if a complication comes up.

Answer

I dont have a 12 year old....but remembering myself at 12, I would be say too much to see that. Just let her be like the first visitor! I suggest not allowing her in the delivery room during your actual labor.

Answer

Yum my 3 year old will be present during my birth this time so. 🤷‍♀️

Answer

It depends on whether your hospital allows children under 18 to be in the delivery room. My hospital will not allow them, and will only allow siblings during visiting hours.

Answer

I say if she wants to be there then you should let her birth is not something a lot of people get to experience first hand unless its their own and its a once in a life time experience to see your sibling be born. She doesnt necessarily have to watch them come out I'm sure she will watch what shes comfortable watching. I'm considering having my kids (who will turn 4 and 2 right before I'm due) with me for the birth of their sister.

Answer

Before that check your hospital rules. Some wont allow anyone under the age of 18 in the delivery room (unless it's the parent of the child).

Answer

My son was 2 when he saw his sister born, now he’ll be 3.5 and she’ll be 1.5, we’re doing a homebirth and one or both of them will probably be there. I think it’s a special bonding time, but not everyone’s cup of tea or comfort zone. If she’s comfortable and wants to be there I say go for it.

Is my daughter too young to be in the delivery room?

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