Sibling Attended Birth
Jan 26 '01
The Bottom Line Preparation is the key to having an older child attend the birth of a new sibling.
My recent pregnancy was very planned, being as we got pregnant through IUI (interuterine insemination) we knew everything including the day our child was conceived. From the start we decided that my four year old son, Clayton, should have the option of being present for the birth. Of course, this took a lot of planning and preparation on everybody's part.
First of all, I talked with my OB. Together we decided that it was ok for Clayton to attend the birth and that he should be present for as many prenatal appointments as possible. He never missed a one.
The advantage of being a homeschooling parent really came in handy for us. Over the course of the pregnancy, I explained to my son the changes going on within my own body as well as the baby's development. We discussed the process of labor and the way the body handles delivery. Clayton totally understood the way the cervix effaced and dialated as well as how the uterus contracted.
After battling severe morning sickness and threatened pre-term labor, I was relieved to reach the "safe" point of my pregnancy. My due date came and went. I attempted every known method of induction given to me by kind folks who sympathized with my anxiety.
On Thursday, January 11th a nice lady that was performing an inspection with my husband explained to him about a method she swore induced the delivery of her three children known as "reflexology". She told him I needed to sit down and dig my fingernails into my palms for a period of 20 minutes - she said I could also use a comb if easier. I didn't know what was funnier - the method, or the fact that I was going to try it. I sat there that night tightly gripping my comb. After no contractions I finally went to bed, frustrated again.
I soundly slept until about 2:30 that morning when I woke up with contractions. After 4 hours I finally called the doctor who said to proceed to the hospital. We dressed my son and went on in.
The lady in admissions started asking the standard questions. "Did your water break." When I said no, my four year old piped in "the doctor might have to break it for her like he did with me and my sister." The lady was impressed (as was I). She then asked him if he was having a brother or a sister to which he responded, "A brother, because he has a penis." She was not as amused with that comment, and I still haven't understood why people can't handle the fact that a child uses appropriately terminology when describing his "private parts."
After we were admitted and the nurse confirmed that I was indeed in labor, we promptly telephoned my father and stepmother, as it was prearranged for them to be present in case Clayton was uncomfortable and needed to leave. The only time this became necessary, however, was upon administration of the epidural at the request of the doctor. At 2:00 it became time for the baby to be born. I only pushed through two contractions and at 2:11 on January 12, 2001 my new son, Ronald (Ronnie) William was brought into this world. Clayton watched as he was delivered and after the baby was placed upon my stomach he helped Dad cut the cord. After that, Clayton, on his own initiative, pulled a chair right next to the doctor to watch the placenta being delivered. He was fascinated! He is still telling people how he was surprised that the cord was so blue yet the placenta was still red!
He asked questions about everything from that point on. He was curious about breastfeeding and how my body made milk for the baby. He was fascinated when the cord fell off and the belly button was finally apparent. He even reassured his brother before the circumcision that the doctor's would give him medicine so that it wouldn't hurt.
Overall, I was so very happy to have my oldest child attend the birth of his brother. For us, this was the last child we are planning on having so it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I believe that a combination of the education provided ahead of time, the support of the doctors and nurses, and the general attitudes displayed in my family made for a positive experience for all of us.
On a side note, I also feel that by having Clayton attend the birth it helped with the bonding process as well as the adjustment that comes with bringing a new child into the home. They are getting along great and as a mom I couldn't be more proud.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
hhassell99
|
|
Member: Heather Sawyer
Location: Lakewood, CO
Reviews written: 56
Trusted by: 45 members
About Me:
Home Schooling, Breastfeeding, SAHM and a whole list of other qualities that annoy people.
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.