Due to a power outage, only one paramedic responded to the call. The house was very, very dark, so the paramedic ask Kathleen, a 3-year-old girl, to hold a flashlight high over her Mommy so he could see while he helped deliver the baby. Very diligently, Kathleen did as she was asked. Heidi pushed and pushed, and after a little while Ricky was born. The paramedic lifted him by his little feet and spanked him on his bottom. Ricky began to cry. The paramedic then thanked Kathleen for her help and asked the wide-eyed 3-year old what she thought about what she had just witnessed. Kathleen quickly responded, “He shouldn’t have crawled in there in the first place ……… smack his butt again!” 🙂
I got this as an email, and laughed hysterically. However, I did have a friend that allowed her 12 year old son and 10 year old daughter in the deliver room to witness their baby brother’s birth. The son did not have much to say, but the little girl was quick to say she was never having children! So this is obviously a great way to scare a girl into not having sex as a teenager, but what about the long term effects? And should any boy ever see his mother like that? This funny email got me to thinking about this.
What are your thoughts?
First of all…that was a great email, Angel! I laughed so hard!
I have to say that I might hesitate to let my 16 year old watch me give birth (not that he would!), but I think it’s a good lesson for younger children and helps them to learn about how our bodies work. I’m sure there are many Moms who would not agree! 🙂
That’s a funny email. I had it sent to me before too. I don’t think I would want my child to watch me give birth. Giving birth is stressful enough without having to think about another person watching. It definitely is a personal decision, but not one that I have to worry about since two kids is enough for me!
Well, first I think that explaining the beginning of the process is a good idea and then see how they respond to sex education. If they respond as I did at age 11 hearing how babies are conceived, maybe it’s not such a good idea. I was on the way to visit a babysitter who was single and pregnant. I said, “yup, she shouldn’t have kissed her boyfriend, that’s what you get!” My mom said, “sweetie, is that how you think she became pregnant?” “yeah”. The she proceeded to explain the initial process. My response “you put WHAT WHERE? “You mean the same thing that makes boys go pee pee?” “Nope, I’m never doing that or having kids ever, that’s just wrong.” I would imagine having seen the end of the process (birth) at that age would have sealed my fate permanently once you added intense pain and the stuff that covers those cute little babies. I’m not sure it’s such a great idea.
So funny!
But yes – I think that it could be problematic for some children to witness childbirth. I suppose it is up to the parents to decide what would be right for their particular children and decide the pors and cons. It definitely is a personal decision – and you will not find my son in the delivery room with me!!!
Having never experienced labor and delivery myself….It is hard to say for sure. My 2 oldest would not be allowed to witness the actual birthing of our 3rd son due soon. Because birthmom doesn’t want us to be present in the delivery room. This I do understand. Why would you want a total stanger in the room only to observe? After discussing sex education on an 8 yr. old boys level…well I’d have to say….I would be inclined not to have him in the delivery room at the time of the actual birth. Somethings need to be private. A young boy might be embarrassed, however the gross factor would be cool to my oldest son. Again…know your kids. I have yet to experience any labor or delivery with any of my boys and I have to say….I like my way of doing things. Adoption does have it’s benefits.