Re: Sibling attending birth of new baby

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I have a three year old and would not allow her to watch the birth at her age. At age 8, however, I think she would be more likely to understand what was happening and grasp the fact that you were not dying nor experiencing any harmful violence. One of my best friends witnessed the birth of her brother at about that age, and holds it as a very valuable experience. My only advice to you would be to rent some videos showing other women giving birth, and talk to your daughter about what is happening, what it means when the baby's head is crowning, what will happen if you have an episiotomy, etc. And, as another poster mentioned, if you decide to allow her to stay make sure she has a way "out" that she feels comfortable calling on. I would also suggest that someone other than your husband (or coach) be present to be her "coach" - someone who is assigned to "babysit" her, make sure she eats, keeps her out of the way when necessary etc so your husband can focus just on you. Birth is a natural, beautiful event and if your daughter is properly prepared for it, it could be a really special moment in both of your lives. Good luck with whatever decision you make - you're her mother, and you know her best.

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Amanda

At Tue, 19 Mar 2002, Lisa wrote:
>
>Can I please get some input from other mothers? Would it be wrong to
>have my 8 year old girl attend the birth of her baby brother? Would it
>be to much to handle for her? This may sound like a dumb question, but
>my daughter begs me to let her be there and hold my hand.

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