Fletcher Allen, a Vermont university hospital and medical center, serves all of
Vermont and the northern New York region. Located in Burlington, Fletcher Allen is a regional, academic healthcare center and teaching hospital in alliance with the University of Vermont.
Siblings at Birth
The nurse-midwives at the Claire M. Lintilhac Nurse-Midwifery Service welcome other children and family members at the birth. We believe that having your children attend the birth of a sibling can be an event they will remember for a lifetime.
Some Things to Think About First…
Choosing the people who will be with you at your birth requires some careful thought and consideration, especially if that includes your other child(ren). We would like you to think about your answers to the following questions when deciding whether or not it makes sense to bring your child (ren) with you when it’s time to have your baby:
- Have my children expressed a desire to be present for the birth of this baby, or is this an idea that particularly appeals to me?
- Are my children going to be comfortable seeing me in labor, especially if it is unexpectedly painful or complicated?
- Will my children be upset if we need to be separated during the labor or birth?
- Can I focus on my own needs during labor and birth if my child(ren) needs something?
Policies About Bringing Children to a Birth at Fletcher Allen
Each child brought to the birthing suite MUST have an adult available to them at all times (other than you or your support person). In an emergency, there MUST be an adult who can take care of your child(ren), including taking them out of your room or out of the hospital if necessary. These policies exist for your safety, and for the well being of you and your family.
Suggested Reading for Parents and Children
There are many excellent resources for preparing children to be present at the birth of a sibling. Some of them are listed below. Viewing a (or several) birth video together and answering questions is also good preparation.
Cole, J. Miller, M. How you were born. Mulberry Books, 1994.
Douglas, A. Before you were born: The inside story. Owl Communications, 2000.
Nilsson, L. A child is born. Delacourt Press, 1986
Nilsson, L., Swanberg, L. K. How was I born? Bantam Books, 1996.