Older siblings at the birth.... - Page 2

[doularosemary]

I personally don't want dd (4.5yo) around much for active labor because I need no extraneous noises or distractions during that time. But I definitely want her here for the birth. I'm having a home birth and will have family take her out somewhere until birth is imminent. Fortunately I live a block from the mall, parks, and Chik Fil A play area so she can stay close until its time.

[Veritaserum]

I've had my children at my last three births. They've ranged in age from almost 2 - 6.5 years. The younger ones need an adult helper. For the most part, they stayed out of the room. The older one particularly likes being at the birth and is quiet as well as helpful (gives me drinks and such).

My kids know that if my eyes are closed (birthing wave or hypnosis practice) they must be quiet. I've really enjoyed how family-oriented my last babies' births have been. I feel that we've had fewer issues with adjusting to the new baby since the other children see exactly where the baby came from and that it's OUR baby.

[jraohc]

I'm planning for DD (4yo) to be at the birth. When signing the paperwork for a homebirth last week, DH said "but what about DD" as if that would somehow be harder if it were a homebirth. I told him that I was looking into hiring a doula for her/us. DD is looking forward to helping at the birth by bringing me washcloths and water.

I just wish we had a "better" support person for her. My first two choices just aren't possible and we're new to the area and don't really have friends yet and I can't imagine having our parents at the birth or anywhere near me at that time. My first choice was/is my brother's girlfriend, but she is starting a new job in July and can only really help on the weekend (hear that baby, come on the weekend!) and my second choice wasn't so serious, but was my cousin. I thought it would be neat if she could come stay with us for a month and care for DD, but she's not really old enough and would absolutely need support of her own, so that doesn't really help.

[JenMidwife]

If I'm able to have a hb, I'm not sure what we'll do w/ my then 23mo dd. My mom (who dd is close to) will be there for her, but she is VERY attached to me & I don't see her being willing to stay in another room while I labor. & if I hear her crying for me in another room or trying to get my attention in the same room, I think that could make for a very dysfuntional labor. I'm really unsure...