Birthing Babies
By livvy252003
@livvy252003 (178)
United States
November 3, 2008 9:01am CST
This morning I got up and turned to the discovery health channel as usual, and came across an interesting show about mid-wifery and non conventional births ect...well, this particular family opted for a water birth, and allowed their 7-8 year old daughter to remain in the water with mom to help deliver the baby. Now, I don't know about you guys, but while I am all for the siblings being in the labor room, but I think it may be a little traumatic for an 8 year old to actually assist in the delivery, I am iffy on that...So what is your opinion? I know that it can bond the family but I think it's a bit much!!!
1 person likes this
3 responses
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
3 Nov 08
Epidural's were not an option when I had my children. I had natural childbirth and I would not have wanted any children around me whilst I was yelling. Personally, I don't agree with this but I respect the opinion of others. I did not want even my husband there after a while as he started crying too! In the U.K. many persons opt for a midwife to deliver their children. If there are any problems then the mother is whisked off to hospital by ambulance. They are highly trained and very experienced. An 8 year old to help deliver a baby. So sorry if I offend anyone, but I would regard this as a nightmare
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
3 Nov 08
Livvy - isn't it amazing how childbirth is different each time. Still wish that I had had epidural's though. The first was 12 hours - natural. The second child I had in the U.K. They gave me a cylindar of gas and air to take breaths from. supposed to ease the pain or something. when I threw the gas and air cannister across the delivery room then I really knew that I has lost my presence of mind. The third boy was born in my adopted country and it was 15 hours of pains 2 mins apart and each one ;lasting 90 seconds. Yes, I was the one that kicked a nurse! Seven years later I gave birth to a daughter and with this one AI did Lamaze and it worked! The birth was not without pain but it was o.k. I could manage the birth by doing the breathing exercises. I have 4 grands now including my grand twins who live with me. They are 2 years old a boy and a girl. I regard this as a special time in my life to have them living with me. God bless you and your family.
@livvy252003 (178)
• United States
3 Nov 08
With my first child I didn't have an epidural, and I also had a doula to help manage the pain with things like massage, focus ect...My second child's birth was quite a bit different, he was overdue, and I was not in pain, but very sick to my stomach, nerves, so they gave me phenregan, and that made my legs jump, so they gave me an epidural, because I couldn't control both the contractions and my legs jumping....I didn't want anyone around me!!! Thanks for your opinion!!
@sindu234 (89)
• United States
3 Nov 08
Hi. I am so much surprised seeing this message. How can one have an 8 yr old with her during delivery. It is astonishing. I am planning to have my husband and mother with me during labor and delivery. But still thinking, if my husband would be able to tolerate my pains during delivery. Any ways, it is a very bold act for an 8 yr old daughter and mother to be together during delivery. Thank you for providing this news.
@livvy252003 (178)
• United States
3 Nov 08
You are most welcome. I thought it was a bit much to. Even for the most mature person, it's a tough situation, and there are so many emotions that an 8 year old would not understand!! Thanks for sharing your opinion!!
@thebeaddoodler (4262)
• Lubbock, Texas
3 Nov 08
I think an 8 year old should know some basic facts about how babies are conceived and how they come into the world, but I don't think they are emotionally ready to have first hand experience when it isn't an emergency.
