older sibling

[JessicaLondon]

I am just curious where other mamas would stand on this. I have an 8 year old son and I am pregnant with my second child. He has expressed the desire to be in the room when his sibling is born. I personally feel that as long as he remains at the top of the bed and doesn't become uncomfortable with the pain I am in (because lets face it, it hurts) that there isn't a problem. Family would be there in the he waiting area if he wants out at any time. His labor abd delivery was flawless, although they are all different I wouldn't consider it had it not been.

So, have any of you done this? Thoughts and opinions please :)

[krysmichelle]

I would really like all my kids ages 4 and 9 to be there but I'm certain I have to have a c-section so I guess they will just be waiting in my room for me

[AKCGsMom]

For my last birth my older two could come and go up until the delivery. They were 5 and 7. But once intense laboring started, my girls were scared. Most hospitals now days require children to be 14. Depends on their rules and your comfort level with what your child will see. I will do the same this time as last. They can be there until it gets too intense for them.

[mitch_14]

I had my 18month old in with my last one he was perfect and so excited to see his brother first.

[grizzlace]

My 8 yr old will be in the room if she wants. But only at the head of the bed. She's a strong kid.

[Tiffyscott32]

I will be having my 12 and 8 year old in the room. In June :)

[samynpatrick1088]

My 2 year old was in the room when his brother was born. He is 5 now and is brother 3 and as long as they want to be there they are welcome. Birth is a beautiful thing children are not afraid of it. We have talked about the pain what will happen and I am completely honest with them regarding the process. They are very excited. Of they decode they want to leave during they will have someone there just for them to assist them with any needs or wants.

[finallyhavingaboy]

Well I wanted my oldest daughter to be in the room (she is 11) only to find out she has to be 14.

[JessicaLondon]

Above @mama4times89

And our hospital will allow siblings of any age as long as they have current immunizations. Flu season may be the only hindrance but I think we are fine.

[JessicaLondon]

That is exactly how I feel. My family, mostly my parents, are so old fashioned they are panicked at the idea. But was a single mom with my son for almost his whole life and that makes the bond even more important I feel.

[momof4soon]

I am not letting my 9 or 8 year old in the room my 9 yr old can handle seeing it she almost passed out when her brother had a nose bleed and my 8 yr old lives with her father for school bc she choose to go to school there so she wouldn't be there most likely when I go in to labor if she is we will see bc my mom doesn't plan on being in the waiting room with the other bc we live 5 mins from the hospital so shefigures the kids would rather be home where ttheir friends r

[KimboLynne19]

I had my older girl in with me the whole time when I had her sister. And will let her stay in again if she wants. @sprmom87 I know everywhere is different but there usually isn't an age restriction for siblings as long as they are up to date on shots.

[sprmom87]

I haven't had to address this, but I have a feeling my 9yr old is going to ask the same thing. Before telling him yes or no I would find out if he is even old enough to be in there, the hospital/doctor may have age restrictions.

[celia_6]

Well my girl would be in room with me but they are 14 and 12 .....but funny thing is Tho I might ask them to wait outside just cause all the ???? They will ask

[jaesmom]

I would say as long as its not a horrible labor go for it. My 10 &7 year olds want to watch baby #5.. however I am allowing them in until pushing time. I would expect my 7 year old to run right to school and tell everyone what he saw. Its all personal preference

[mama4times89]

Im letting my 8 year old daughter in the room with us in June. She will be holding my hand up at the top of the bed as well. I agree with family being there so they can step out if it gets too intense for them. I think its just fine especially if they want to be there you know? This experience only happens once and I think that the bond between them will be stronger for it :) I explained to Taylor that it does hurt and she should expect for mama to be in pain. If she gets scared she can go out and wait with papa ♡