Talking to kids about childbirth

[kim]

I wasn't sure where to put this...

In any case, Liam and Fiona are ready for more information about childbirth. They have been asking a lot lately about 'how is the baby going to get out'? I'm just curious what/how you have told your kids.

[Jessy]

Payton has asked this, not necessarily about me as he was to young to even think about it when I was pregnant with his baby brother. We have had lots of friends and family that have had babies lately that have provoked these questions. I simply explained to him that when it's time to have a baby a mommy goes through labor which is her body getting ready to let the baby out, after her body is ready the mommy pushes, kind of like when going potty, and the baby comes out of her private area. (We have already had conversations about boys being different than girls down there, modesty and that whole deal). That seemed to satisfy him for now.

[ChamomileFriend]

When they were younger, I just told them that I have to push the baby out. In the beginning they were like, "Out of your belly button?" And I said noooooooooo and just kind of left it a mystery for a little while. Finally, when I was pg with G and they asked again, I showed them (fully clothed) how I would have to squat to get their sister out and my oldest was like "Do you push her out of your private parts?" And I said yes! And he was like "WOAH, doesn't that hurt?" And I said yes it can hurt, but even when it doesn't I really have to concentrate and that is why I needs lots of personal space when I am getting ready to push the baby out.

And they know that is part of the reason boys and girls are built differently, bec women carry babies and feed them and men have to protect and provide for their wives as they do this. They also know that men and women make different "special cells" and that is why they look a little like me and a little like daddy but we haven't talked too much about how those special cells get together yet. They know God helps with that part of the baby miracle though, just like he helps with every part of our lives.

[kim]

Thanks for sharing everyone. Your input is helpful! I'm not sure we're ready to show videos. If we were going to invite the kids in to see babe be born, maybe. But since that isn't in the plans, I think we'll wait on that.

[FruitfulVine]

My oldest daughter, Kimberly (, wants to be a children's research doctor when she grows up. She asks lots of questions, and is very direct when she asks them. I had to explain it all to her a long time ago. I used online charts to teach her about ovulation and menstruation when she asked about my periods. I explained that if God allowed that egg to become a baby, it would implant in the uterine wall, but if not, it is released in menstruation. I have picture books for my children to see how babies develop inside the womb. Kimberly has read them cover to cover, and she has asked many very detailed questions about the baby's in utero growth. She wants to know how early a heartbeat can be detected, what the limbs look like at various stages, when the inner ear becomes developed enough to hear, when the eyelids open, etc. She is pretty much an expert by now.
My other children, ages 6, 5, and 3, are pretty much oblivious. Natalie, my 5-yr-old, asked me how the baby "got in there." Before I could answer, my 6-yr-old son told her that "Daddy farted the baby in there through Mommy's belly button. I saw it!" (of course he saw no such thing! but when I saw Natalie's eyes go round and her sigh "wooowww!" I just left it at that.) Kimberly giggled. She just knows that God allowed the egg to become a baby.
Childbirth itself.....my younger ones are not interested, but Kimberly has asked to be present at each one. The doctors never allow it. "Hospital regulations", they say. They always look at me like I'm crazy. I have shown her birth videos online, both real and diagrammed. I plan for her to be present for this next one. She wants to perform the APGAR at birth and then at 5 minutes. She wants to help me give the baby his/her first bath. I'm all for it. I homeschool our children, and it seems like a great educational experience for her.

[melinda]

Hmm could of swore I commented on this lol I can't help I hope my boys never ask haha they just assume you poop them out and some can't so the dr remove them from your belly (both sisters have csection scars) and I never corrected them on its not really pooping them out lol I just assume they will figure it out later lol