It's way early for this, but what the heck. I thought I'd ask what you all think about kids at birth. I think my feelings about it are different than many AP types, and I'm curious to discuss it.
My son is really sensitive, so I feel like I should have seen it coming, but I do regret his presence at my 2nd son's birth. It was traumatic for him, even though it was a very normal birth. But birth is very intense, and at 2, he was still really a baby and didn't understand enough. I'd shown him videos, did the class, etc, but I think it was not nearly enough to convey the reality of his MAMA in pain, making noise, etc.
So, my toddler won't be at the birth of this baby, but my big boys will have the option (and will likely opt out, as they did for this one). We want them all to be there just *moments* after birth, but I honestly don't see the benefit of a toddler witnessing birth, considering the possible emotional risks.
Also, toddler will be in the house with access to daddy and grammy, but not hanging around while I vocalize and generally do the labor routine. Hoping he'll sleep through the whole thing, actually!
So, that's my 2cents
My son is really sensitive, so I feel like I should have seen it coming, but I do regret his presence at my 2nd son's birth. It was traumatic for him, even though it was a very normal birth. But birth is very intense, and at 2, he was still really a baby and didn't understand enough. I'd shown him videos, did the class, etc, but I think it was not nearly enough to convey the reality of his MAMA in pain, making noise, etc.
So, my toddler won't be at the birth of this baby, but my big boys will have the option (and will likely opt out, as they did for this one). We want them all to be there just *moments* after birth, but I honestly don't see the benefit of a toddler witnessing birth, considering the possible emotional risks.
Also, toddler will be in the house with access to daddy and grammy, but not hanging around while I vocalize and generally do the labor routine. Hoping he'll sleep through the whole thing, actually!
So, that's my 2cents
My daughter will be only 2 when the new baby comes and so I am undecided about having her there. I think it would be better if she were there right after the birth. She loves watching my birth videos as well but doesn't know what going on. She does point and say baby. It doesn't seem to bother her-but a video of a women giving birth and being in the room with your mother giving birth are entirely different experiences!
thanks
