Allowing older kids in the delivery yes or no?

[Flipper3]

I am due with baby number 4 in April, with my other 3 it was only my husband, my mom and my mother in law in the delivery room.  I've been debating on if I should give my older 2 kids the choice of being in the room this time when I have their baby brother.  My older children are 9 and 7.  Would it be ok to give them the choice?

[JaneAusten]

I personally think that is to young for them to see something like that. If they were teenagers or young adults yes. But a nine and seven year old?! Nope.

[Flipper3]

See that's what I have always thought to but then I've been watching birthing videos where they include the siblings and they are even younger ones than that watching so Its gotten me a little torn especially since this is my last one.

[zorbie1]

My youngest brother who was 9 when I had my first kid was in the labor room with us off and on he honestly was bored and pretty much paid attention to his Gameboy thing haha. He opted to leave the room when things got closer to the end and hung out after the baby came. He showed very little interest in the baby and still is not a fan when we come to visit haha (my kid gets the attention and hes jealous)
A 9yo girl is likely going to be more interested but possibly not. Maybe talk to her about it and see if it's something she would be interested in and give her the option to leave if she wants and have things for her to do.

[Babycoco2010]

It's your call at the end of the day you know your kids better then anyone so why not ask them if they would like to go and see you deliver baby ? And if they say yes tell them what to expect the light version of events and your going to be in a bit of pain but it's a good thing because that's how you no baby is ready to come out to meet them so it's not a bad thing, see how they take that and if they are still happy to go,
Let them no that in very small cases things go wrong but that's why you go to hospital to have baby but that's up to you as you have had 3 kids already so all will be find so no need to rely tell them that part
But it's all your call you no your kids better then anybody.
If they want to go Make sure they have things to do and snacks drinks to keep them happy while you wait for baby to meets everyone. When you go into labour you should just ask them if they still want to go along with you.
Good luck with your delivery xx

[Pinupjoy]

It's totally up to you. There's no right or wrong answer, it's all a personal choice :) it's not like they are seeing anything "bad" like someone above was indicating. It's  a natural beautiful thing , a child being born. If you want to, then I say yes, go for it :)

[lucie27]

Maybe if you had a home birth with a few members of your family there then the kids would have reassurance from them. And if they decide they don't want to be involved they could always play outside or in there rooms. I watched a home birth where they had about fifteen people there including kids and the kids where more interested by the family they hadn't seen in a while.

[RockRose]

Since you've already had 3,  you know how you typically react in labor and childbirth.  Are your births fairly easy,  and wouldn't be distressing to children?

[Flipper3]

Typically all my other births have been fairly easy ones, but at the same time I know anything can happen to.  I'm torn on what to do especially with my 9 year old. She has had a hard time bonding with my 18 month old and I've read several articles where if they are included in the birth that it helps with that bond and connection.

[lucie27]

It's up to you but most doctors do not recommend just incase something happens to go wrong. Or that it may be distressing for them to see you in pain but once again it's your choice to give them the choice :)

[Flipper3]

Sometimes it ***** being a parent and trying to make the right decisions. Especially with something like this where you never know how it will go delivery wise or kids reaction wise.

[Flipper3]

Not sure why it put the stars in there lol. It was suppose to say stinks