by Melissa Willets posted in Pregnancy

Over the years, I have shared the stories of families who believe birth should involve everyone, even siblings. And along the way, I wondered if I could ever share my birth experience with my kids.
With my previous three births, it was just me and my husband in the room (other than the nurses and doctor). My kids were younger, and honestly, it never occurred to me to include them until after the baby was out and cleaned up.

I always figured watching their mom holler in pain and bleed everywhere would scare my girls half to death. I mean, when I explained that babies come out of your vagina, they practically fell over in shock.
But now, years later, I?m pregnant again, and to my surprise, my 8-year-old, who will be turning 9 soon, has asked if she can be present at the birth. My initial reaction is to protect her against a very intense experience that could scar her for life. What if there?s so much blood she freaks out" What if the sounds I?m making frighten the living daylights out of her" It's not exactly like I can temper my reaction. And I wouldn?t want my husband to have to take her out of the room, leaving me alone.
But watching the birth seems important to her. She is so excited about having a baby brother or sister, and wants to be a part of every moment, and not miss a thing. She thinks she can handle seeing the birth, despite what I?ve described about the fluids and the fact that I?ll likely be screaming.
Then a...