Childbirth 101
My brother and his wife are having a baby. Their little boy, whom they plan to call "Ty," is due tomorrow. However, this weekend was filled with a couple of "false alarms" which led us to believe that he would be born a bit sooner. My SIL had strong contractions all through the night Saturday and during much of Sunday, but by Sunday afternoon, they were gone. Today there was another sign of impending labor (lost mucus plug - ick), but again, nothing. I have to admit that selfishly I was hoping the baby would be born this weekend. Then, Jeff, the kids and I could be at the hospital since there was no school today. It would just be so much more convenient. But no. Ty decided to stay inside, where it's safe and warm, a bit longer.
Vika and Eamon are very excited to meet their new cousin. They've both been drawing pictures for him and eagerly awaiting the phone call that would tell us it's time to head to the hospital. So, they're a bit disappointed that he hasn't come yet too. However, after a discussion this evening, I've learned that they're also a bit confused as to how he will actually be born.
Eamon's under the impression that the doctors will cut Ty out using a pair of scissors. Vika was quick to instruct him that no, they wouldn't use scissors to cut Ty out. First they would put a kind of oil on SIL's belly, and rub it a bit to get it ready. Then they would cut the baby out. But NOT with scissors or a knife! She was very emphatic about that! Upon hearing this, Jeff shouted from the room next door that SIL was going to deliver Ty through "natural childbirth."
Of course this led Eamon to ask, "What's that Mama?" I looked to Jeff, since he opened that door, but without meeting my eyes he simply said, "Jen?" Oh sure, pass that one off to me! Eamon turned with a little frown and said, "How is the baby going to come out Mama?" I stood there, quickly considering the best way to describe vaginal delivery to a 6 year old child without freaking him out. Fortunately, Eamon got distracted by something Star Wars related and dashed off to his room. Whew! That was a close one.
I can't keep avoiding the discussion forever though. I did explain it to Vika once, but apparently, she's forgotten (what's this oil theory all about?). However, with Ty set to be born any day now, I'm sure the topic will come up again. Have any of you explained childbirth to a young child? How did that work out for you? And do you have any suggestions for me?
Vika and Eamon are very excited to meet their new cousin. They've both been drawing pictures for him and eagerly awaiting the phone call that would tell us it's time to head to the hospital. So, they're a bit disappointed that he hasn't come yet too. However, after a discussion this evening, I've learned that they're also a bit confused as to how he will actually be born.
Eamon's under the impression that the doctors will cut Ty out using a pair of scissors. Vika was quick to instruct him that no, they wouldn't use scissors to cut Ty out. First they would put a kind of oil on SIL's belly, and rub it a bit to get it ready. Then they would cut the baby out. But NOT with scissors or a knife! She was very emphatic about that! Upon hearing this, Jeff shouted from the room next door that SIL was going to deliver Ty through "natural childbirth."
Of course this led Eamon to ask, "What's that Mama?" I looked to Jeff, since he opened that door, but without meeting my eyes he simply said, "Jen?" Oh sure, pass that one off to me! Eamon turned with a little frown and said, "How is the baby going to come out Mama?" I stood there, quickly considering the best way to describe vaginal delivery to a 6 year old child without freaking him out. Fortunately, Eamon got distracted by something Star Wars related and dashed off to his room. Whew! That was a close one.
I can't keep avoiding the discussion forever though. I did explain it to Vika once, but apparently, she's forgotten (what's this oil theory all about?). However, with Ty set to be born any day now, I'm sure the topic will come up again. Have any of you explained childbirth to a young child? How did that work out for you? And do you have any suggestions for me?
I have nothing useful to offer whatsoever. I just think it's funny that after all the uncomfy, tricky conversations about adoption, this is still the one that turns us into stammering idiots!
Best wishes to Ty, whenever he decides to appear!!!
Yeah, good luck with that!
No suggestions. Let me know how it works out. ;>
I'm guessing that the lotion is the iodine that gets swabbed on everything on tv before they operate. Can you say...TLC?
I can't wait to hear how this all turns out.
Goodness people! When faced with a crisis like this, you need a good book! :) I highly recommend for the age group being discussed: Twice-Upon-A-Time: Born and Adopted by Eleanora Patterson, which does a great job of explaining how all kids are born - whether they later go on to live with their birthfamilies, adoptive families, or foster families. It is simplistic on the sex-ed part of things and some people have complained that the picture of the "floating uterus" can make kids confused as it is not shown inside the woman. I think it's fine though and works great, especially in explaining things to kids who were adopted and therefore may feel disconnected from the birthing process. This reassures that we all start out the same!
As your kids get older, for the ultimate in sex ed books I highly recommend It's So Amazing!: A Book about Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families (The Family Library) by Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley. Bear in mind that this one covers everything from the parts of the body, to same-sex relationships, abortion, good and bad touching. Thorough, but respectful and well-written. If you need something to get you through just about any sex topic with your kids, it's great.
They also have a book aimed at the younger set called It's Not the Stork: A Book About Girls, Boys, Babies, Bodies, Families and Friends (The Family Library) (Paperback)by Robie H. Harris (Author), Michael Emberley, but I haven't read that one.
Good luck!
Wow, great to have suggestions for good, adoption-relevant books! (Probably better than the "what would I know about sex? I adopted you" answer I was figuring I could fall back on. ;-)
I am thinking that it is the gel for the ultrasounds that they put on top of the belly. they show that ennough on tv. good luck
Great book suggestions! Thanks!