[camprunner]

<p>I had dds ages 5 and 8.  The 5yo is a bit unhappy about losing her spot as the youngest.  She asked if she could change the baby's first diaper.  I had a homebirth when she was born and I think dh put her first diaper on (and the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th within in minutes!).  Do you think the midwives will be ok if my 5yo is still at the birth and wants to help if she puts on the first diaper with lots of  assistance?  I understand that for sure things wlll be different if everything isn't textbook perfect at the birth. </p>

 

[Marissamom]

<p>I would help her practice beforehand, but I was changing my baby sister when I was 6.75, so as long as she has some idea of what she's doing I don't think it would be a huge issue. and let the midwives know that's what you want to do beforehand, as long as everything is going well, they're usually pretty accommodating. </p>

 

[camprunner]

<p>Cool! Yes, thanks. I would definiately be practicing with both of them just so they have an idea of what's going on. Not something we really plan to do on a regular basis. I just didn't want the midwives to look at us like we were crazy for the request.</p>

 

[Banana731]

<p>I think a lot of the reason for birthing at home is so it can be a family experience. I bet your MW's will not think it strange at all.</p>

 

[thebeljur]

<p>Darling, it's your new baby, and your daughter, in your home.  Of course you can have her put on the first diaper!  <span><img alt="smile.gif" height="16" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/smile.gif" width="16"> </span> I would find it extremely odd if a midwife had a problem with that in any way.  We have our kids help cut the cord, announce the gender, read the weight off the scale, etc.  It's fun to involve them (if that's what they want). </p>

 

[citymagnolia]

<p>My DD2 was born in the hospital. DD1 came shortly after we were settled in the room. She had just turned 2 and was hands-on from the first moment. Her dad had her sitting in the plastic bassinet thing, letting the baby suck on her fingers, changing diapers, holding the baby on the bed with me, when DD2 was probably an hour old. The staff loved it and was very encouraging and helpful. I'm sure that any midwife who you felt comfortable with would have a very positive attitude about your entire family's involvement! I think that's an awesome way for her to get over her ambivalence about being bumped up to the role of big sister!</p>

 

[meesh933]

<p>My not-quite-three-year-old cut her brother's cord - definitely let the 5 yo put on the first diaper! I'm sure your MW will love it, and it will help the 5 yo find her place in the changing family.</p>

 

[vtamanda]

<p>My MW totally involves my daughter in our appointments.  DD is 3 and she has her own notepad where she "records" my weight and whatever else she thinks is noteworthy.  She does the blood pressure and she helps place the doppler on my tummy.  She "reads" my weight off the scale and reports it back to the MW.  SO I know my MW would be all about DD helping cut the cord and for sure helping with the first diaper.  I'm sure your MW would be just as supportive, as long as she's a mother herself, I think she would understand!</p>

 

[Makaylamama]

<p>I think most midwifes would agree that birth is a family experience--I think it is beautiful that your daughter wants to help out in this way! I plan on having my 2yo at our birth, which is happening at a free standing birth center.</p>