Newbie here - is it too late to join?

[twogreencars]

Hi, I'm due Nov. 3rd w/ baby #3 - planned home birth (others were also home births - but in England, not the USA as this one will be). Feeling pretty big, exhausted, stopped work a few weeks ago per midwife's instructions - but still so much to do at home including getting rid of years of clutter! Just wanted to check in and introduce myself!

Is anyone planning on having their older kids at the birth (or did you do so last time)?? My 9 yo dd wants to be present but I don't really want my 11 yo ds around and I'm not sure he really is that interested anyway...Any tips?

Are there any other sections of motheringdotcommune which you'd recommend?

[CDS]

i cannot help you there but im having my 2 yr dd present in the room with a companion (a close friend) so dd can leave if she doesn't want to be there and also for her to hae someone to talk with and explain what's happening so she wouldn't get upset if I or Daddy can't talk with her through the labor and pushing in the waterbirth.

DD knows that the baby is coming out in the water and will be going swimming so she wants to put swim suit on when baby's swimming so she can swim too! lol

[gen_here]

Never too late - welcome, welcome!!!!

I can't help you with the kiddo question, though. My son will only be 21 months and I'm choosing NOT to have him present - but older kids... I'm not sure how I'd personally feel about having them present. I think follow their lead and your gut!

[mama2toomany]

With my last dd my sons where told they could stay if they wanted to and they could leave the room if they wanted to.. so it was no presure at all... my oldest (9) stayed and the other 2 boys (9 and 6) left.

welcome to MDC

[One Art]

Hi, and welcome! My 3 yr old dd will be there, unless she decides not to, but we have done so much talking about it that she is insistent that she be there to see the baby's head come out! I really want her to be there because I think it will help with bonding afterwards, but with older kids, I am sure they "get it" about a new baby coming much more than a three year old anyway... whatever you are the most comfortable with is the most important thing I think.

[BathrobeGoddess]

Welcome! It is never too late!

My 11 yr old dd will be at this birth as she was with her brother's two years ago. My ds may or may not be there...its up to him.

[KIMBER1983]

Welcome!!!!
I do not have any children so i cannot help ya out with your question. Goodluck. I'm sure whatever you choose will be the rite thing for you.

[mamma.mia]

Welcome, twogreencars! This is a great group! I'm new too, so I'm still finding my way around too. But these ladies are great...you'll love it here!

~Mia

[xenabyte]

It's never too late, even if your first post is to post your birth story

I have a 4 and 2 year old, (almost 5/3). I will probably allow them in my bedroom for some of the labor, but if they are 'bored' and crawling all over the bed/bouncing...I'll probably have DH/MIL (if she's here) take them downstairs to go play!

I was actually hoping they might sleep through it, so I'd not have to worry about them being bored or freaked out! I'm still not sure about having them IN the room during delivery.

[redhotmama]

If we deliver at home, dds will be around. I've tried explaining that mommy will make a lot of noise and it will seem like I'm hurting but that getting a baby out is just a lot of work and mommy will be OK. Now my 5 year old is walking around telling everyone that mommy's growl when babies come out of their vaginas

If you're trying to declutter, check out Mindful Home Management.
Under parenting there is a thread for Stay at home moms too.
Enjoy!

[mamamelia]

welcome mama! it's never too late.

i'm still undecided as to whether my 25mo dd will be present at the birth or not. on one hand, i don't want her to get upset at seeing mummy in such a state and on the other hand, i don't want her to think mummy has abandoned her, then the next time she see's me, there is another little human that i am cuddling! it might all be too upsetting for her.

[littlelambs]

welcome! i am a newbie too and an american homebirthing in England...how funny is that? lol!

[twogreencars]

Originally Posted by redhotmama

If you're trying to declutter, check out Mindful Home Management.
Under parenting there is a thread for Stay at home moms too.
Enjoy!

Thanks for the tips - I checked out Mindful Home Management and it WAS INSPIRING!! I wish I were a SAHM, but I'm an attorney and need to go back to work soon after the birth. DRAT!!!