Child Delivery Taboos: The Effects of Kids Watching Childbirth

TV Chef Jamie Oliver and wife finally just had their fifth child as revealed through their social media account. What makes this specific childbirth interesting is the fact that their two eldest daughters were there to watch while their mom giving birth to their baby brother.

As BBC reported, the daughters, 12-year-old Daisy Boo and 14-year-old Poppy Honey were the ones who cut the cord. Jamie Oliver described the moment as something really emotional and so moving. The involvement of the two girls in this is a milestone for the whole family. At this stage, it is not just mom and Jamie Oliver who were in it but the whole family, being physically present in the life event.

It is not just Oliver's family who did this kind of delivery setup as many other US couples also prefer to let their older kids see their moms giving birth for particular reasons. Some people do not like the idea and say that even husbands should never watch childbirth. They would say that some childbirth experience can give a man some "scars" out of it so how much more for the kids? Some parents today however are clearly happy to boost the numbers at the bedside arguing that it helps the family to bond, prevents older children becoming jealous of the new baby, and hopefully passes on a positive message about the process of giving birth.

Child and family psychologist Dr. Mair Edwards said to BBC that it all depends on what kind of delivery it is. If it is well planned and if the event goes according to the plan, then there is nothing to worry about.

Families around America and around the world are unique. Each member has to have a say when childbirth witnessing is a go for the kids too. The parents are the ones who know if the little ones can handle it. As part of parenting, some may find it necessary to raise their kids as less jealous siblings. Furthermore, kids who are able to witness child birth see the reality of the hardship that their mothers have gone through. This way, they treat their moms better and appreciate her more.