A mum has sparked debate after asking whether it is okay to let her eight-year-old daughter watch the birth of her new sibling.
Parents on Mumsnet have been debating on whether or not it is a good idea to have an eight-year-old present at the birth, and if it could put her off babies for life.
Writing on the forum, the mum said: "I'm pregnant and my eldest DC [darling child] has expressed that she would like to be there for the delivery.
"All my previous deliveries have been straightforward, and I have coped well with the pain.
"This time I'm planning a home birth, and the midwives are not opposed to her being there. They have said it is up to us.
"This is definitely our last baby too, so her last chance to see a sibling being born.
"I'm not sure if the idea is entirely crazy, or a wonderful thing to do.
"Aibu [Am I being unreasonable] to let her see the birth? As it is a home birth she can go to her room and read if she finds it too much.
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Some users expressed concerns about what the eight-year-old would be exposed to and whether they would be too overwhelmed.
One user wrote: "I think it would be very easily for her at best to feel overwhelmed. At worst feel traumatised for life. Even a straight forward labour is painful. With lots of bodily fluids.
"I wouldn't. Maybe she could be first in to meet her sibling [sic]?"
Another added: "Even if you have the most straightforward birth ever, and the most predictable 8 year old ever, they could still be alarmed by a normal birth. Blood, a newborn screeching - or not screeching quick enough - tears.
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"Or any kind of discussion of needing resuscitatation or a trip to the hospital. Any of that could really frighten a child and you wouldn't be able to devote the attention she'd need. [sic]"
However, some users disagreed and believed that if the eight-year-old really wanted to be there then the mum should let her in.
One said: "I wouldn't have an issue with it! We had a Home water birth with our second as we had no readily available childcare and our 5 yr Old was there for her brothers birth... she was there for part of the birth and was the first person apart from me to hold her brother [sic]."
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Another added:"When working as a midwife, I had some women whose older children wanted to be present and so they were. If you are happy and comfortable with it, and she is aware of what it will entail and you have a plan of what happens if it gets too much for her then it's not an issue IMO [in my opinion]."
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