Am I crazy? Considering a hospital birth so DD can be present...

[black balloon]

Back story here:
My daughter, who will be 4 years old when the baby comes, is currently in the hospital being treated for cancer. With her, I had an unassisted home birth, and she was born into DH's hands.

There's a good chance that she will no longer be in the hospital when the baby is born, but there is still a chance that she will. I think it's important for her to be involved in the birth of her baby brother or sister. I'm not sure if it would even be possible to have her present for a hospital birth (due to her immune system being compromised), but if it would be possible, I would strongly consider having a low-intervention hospital birth in order to have my daughter present.

Is this just the mental ramblings of someone who has been awake for too long? In what other ways could I involve her in the birth process if she isn't at home when I go into labour? Thanks.

[prettymom]

I don't think that is crazy at all.

A lot of hospitals don't allow young siblings into the delivery room. Maybe find out what the hospital's policy is before you consider it further.

I hope your DD is home soon.

[SMR]

Absolutely momma.

[lisa_nc]

I would too. I hope she comes home soon. That has to be tough.

[citizenfong]

Okay, I finally know a situation in which I would voluntarily, without regrets, have a hospital birth.

I would check with your dd's doctors to see if that is something they would have a problem with. If they wouldn't, they I can't see how anyone else would have anything to say about it. Especially if the hospital policy does not prohibit sibs at birth (do any hospitals do that anymore?). Because the worry with immunocompromise is that your dd will get sick, yes?

I think it's awesome that you are thinking creatively to include your dd. If you can work it out, she will remember that forever. My oldest still remembers his brother's birth, and he was just shy of 3. He keeps asking me if he can still take pictures this time, or is that his little brother's job now.

[Spring Sun]

I think that is wonderful. If they let her come, then I would do it at the hospital. Even if they did not let her come, I would still do it at the hospital if she was still there just so she could be closer and feel important and part of it. A birth is what you make of it, and hospitals are great, too. I hope your little girl is getting better, I can't imagine how hard it is for you

[mom2tig99Nroo03]

i can't imagine how hard it is to deal with that. i would find out the hospital policies first and get it in writing BEFORE i would consider birthing there, if that is the only reason you'd do so. i think if the hospital will agree to it (most around here wouldn't) that i would definately do it though. if they woulnd't, could you maybe do a video just for her, and maybe have her help name the baby, or pick out something special for the baby? also i'd make sure to try to get something little that the baby could "give" to her, yanno?