Birth Questions

[anarchamama]

Hey all,

I have some birth questions for you all. I did a home birth with ds adn plan to agagin. So I'm wondering how young you let youe other children attend the birth of a new one, how it was for them, and what resources you used to get them ready?

I am also wondering about renting a birth tub. I had a kiddie pool with ds and really like it though I only spent a few hourse of the labour in it. I still have it and could use that, but there is also a place in town that rents them for $200 bucks, and I am wondering if it worth the money. I don't have my heart set on a water birth but though it would be nice to have the option. For anyone who has done it was it worth the money?

Cheers
Heather

[hottmama]

My son will be 35 mos. when the baby is born and there's no way I'd let him miss it! I think 18+ mos. I would want there, under that I don't know. Not that I'd ever have babies 18 mos. apart! 3 years apart seems hard enough.
I'm going to use a kiddie pool and am planning a waterbirth, although that could change in labor, of course. I would probably spend $200 to rent a birth tub, but that's not an option for me, as nowhere around here rents them. But when you add up the pool, hose, pump, etc. it is $50-100 and I think $100 would be worth it for a tub that'll stay heated, although I hear that pools stay pretty warm if covered when not in use.

[hottmama]

PS, where do you live? I always love to meet anarchist mamas.

[MamaTaraX]

I would let my child of any age attend a birth provided they have their own supervision and have been prepared as best possible for the event. My youngest will be 2.5 and we plan to have him there. Myoldest is 7, he'll be there, he was there for his brother'sbirth. Someone will be there for my Butterfly, butI'm not sure about Doodle. I'm having a hard time with that rightnow, trying to figure out who to have for him and whether or not it's really necessary since he is 7 and has done this before.

I'm renting a birth tub. I plan a waterbirth but will be fine if that's not where I end up. I'll at least use it to labor. I think they're worth the month, water is such a wonderful thing in labor. I encourage all moms to get in the water whenever possible,e ven if it's just a shower.

Namaste, Tara
mama to Doodle (7), Butterfly (2), and Rythm (due at home 1/06)

[AAK]

Originally I was planning on waking our oldest up for the birth (she will be 6 in Jan.) but now I plan on waking them both (Kayla will be 3 next week). Since I am "preparing" them both (I wasn't ever going to send them away if I birthed while they were already awake) I now think it would be rude and harsh to not include her. She is very into this, very aware of what is going on and has been able to communicate that she wants to be there. I have a care provider selected for each of my daughters and I feel really good about this decision. I don't think there is a minimum age as long as your expectations are reasonable and you have a person for them.

I am planning a waterbirth, my midwife has a tub that she packs with her. I would spend $200 to get one though.

Amy

[Willowrose]

Our children will both be present...ages 2 and 4. My son was 2 at the birth of his brother and did wonderfully. He wasn't all that interested, but would check in now and then.
This time, he is really excited to see the baby born.
I had a water labor with first son and water delivery with second. I would HIGHLY recommend the tub. I am renting one for my delivery for $100. I would spend quite a bit to have the tub, I feel it is worth it!

[megpaw]

Our 2.5 year old twins will be present at the birth of this kiddo. We've been watching videos of animals giving birth and talking about it a lot, and I'm going to borrow some birth videos from my midwife for us all to watch together. Ava, especially, is getting really excited about it. She talks all the time about how "baby comes out Mommy's yoni," and "Baby drinks milk out of Mommy's boobies." It's precious!