#  Siblings During Labor and Birth 

 

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## Including Children in the Birth Experience

Welcoming a new baby is exciting, and it’s natural to wonder whether your other children should be part of the birth experience. Some families find it meaningful for [siblings](/bump-beyond/postpartum-experience/getting-support/older-siblings "Bump & Beyond: Older Siblings: Preparing to Bring Home a New Baby | Boston Medical Center") to be present, while others prefer that children visit after the baby arrives.

### Should My Children Be at Their Sibling’s Birth?

- **Personality:** Is your child calm, nervous, or anxious around doctors, nurses, or hospital equipment?
- **Maturity:** Can your child sit through the birth without needing your attention? Will they let you focus on giving birth?
- **Understanding:** Can your child understand what happens during birth? Will the sounds or sights make them upset?
- **Involvement:** Do you want your child to watch closely, or just be nearby?
- **Feelings:** Is your child excited about a new sibling? Or do they feel jealous or worried? Being at the birth could increase stress.

### Birth Environment and Support

- **Caregiver:** Who will care for your child during labor and birth?
    - [At BMC](/bump-beyond/labor-and-birth/preparing-birth/labor-and-delivery-faqs "Bump & Beyond: Labor & Delivery Frequently Asked Questions"), children 14 and older may attend births.
    - Children under 14 need special approval and a caregiver with them at all times.
    - Talk to your care provider if you want your child there.
- **Your needs:** Think about what will help you feel safe and focused during birth. Put yourself first.

### Be Ready for the Unexpected

- **Uncertainty:** Birth plans can change. You may change your mind about having your child there.
- **Emergencies:** If there is an emergency, children must leave right away.
- **Back-up plan:** Birth can be intense. Some kids may feel scared or overwhelmed. Plan for a safe space or a support person they can go to.
- **When in labor:** Decide if you want your child there for all of labor, only at the moment of birth, or right after the baby is born.

### Planning for Your Child

- **Rules:** Explain hospital rules to your kids. They must be healthy—if sick, they should stay home.
- **Classes:** A [sibling preparation class](/bump-beyond/labor-and-birth/preparing-birth/childbirth-education-classes "Bump & Beyond: Childbirth Education Classes | Boston Medical Center") can help kids know what they may see and hear. A childbirth educator can offer a one-on-one session for your family.
- **Involvement:** Include your child in planning and in welcoming the baby.
- **Routine:** Birth may change nap times or bedtimes. Think about how this could affect your child.

### After the Birth

- **Right after birth:** Children may come in to meet the baby.
- **Visiting hours**: Kids can visit during [normal visiting hours](/bump-beyond/labor-and-birth/preparing-birth/labor-and-delivery-faqs "Bump & Beyond: Labor & Delivery Frequently Asked Questions"), but cannot sleep at the hospital.
- **NICU:** Children under 14 cannot visit the [neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)](/bump-beyond/labor-and-birth/complications/if-your-baby-needs-little-help-after-birth "Bump & Beyond: If Your Baby Needs a Little Help after Birth | Boston Medical Center").

For some families, welcoming a new baby together is a special memory. Talk with your care provider if you are thinking about having your child at the birth.

### Resources

- BabyCenter: [Can Your Kids Be in the Delivery Room with You? What to Know before You Decide](https://www.babycenter.com/toddler/development/preparing-your-child-to-attend-a-siblings-birth_176 "Can Your Kids Be in the Delivery Room with You? What to Know before You Decide (July 31, 2025) | BabyCenter (babycenter.com)")
- La Leche League USA: [Preparing a Child to Attend the Birth of a Sibling](https://lllusa.org/preparing-a-child-to-attend-the-birth-of-a-sibling/ "Preparing a Child to Attend the Birth of a Sibling (March 31, 2016) | La Leche League USA (lllusa.org)")

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