Moms to be: Would this be weird? 10 points?

Question

First off, I am sixteen years old, and I am considering a career as an OB/GYN. My cousin is expecting her first child in a few months, and I think it would be a wonderful opportunity to experience a birth before I start college. Would it be weird to ask my cousin to attend the birth, as she is very conservative? If I do ask her, how would I go about it? Thanks! I will award 10 points to most informative answer!

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

I think just tell her what you have told us. Laboring opinions are different with everyone, and it will really depend on if she has a birthing plan, or if she is very specific about who she wants to attend a birth. I really didn't mind have my family there, although a cousin may be a different story than say, brothers or sisters. Just tell her that you are interested in a career in the field, and would like to observe. I don't think it's weird...unless you are male. Then, yeah it's a little weird.

Answer 2

Tell her your are very interested in becoming an OB/GYN and before you make your final decision on going to college for it you would like to experience a live birth in person! Tell her that you don't necessarily have to be staring at her woman parts the whole time, you could also be there for moral support. Just explain that you would like to watch the doctor to see what he/she does. Tell her you would love to have that learning experience that many people do not get to have before they enter there field of study when they go to college. I think it would be really good for you and I dont think it's weird at all! If anything she should be proud of you taking the initiative to make sure you were ready for your choosen career! Good luck! I hope this helped!

Answer 3

I think the other two answers have pretty much covered what I wanted to say, but I did want to add a few suggestions. Give her the option to throw you out of the room at any time, and let her know that you would understand if she did so. Also, offer to help if she needs it. Offer to go fetch ice or snacks for her partner. Offer to take photographs or call family once the baby is born to let them know the details. Offer as much help as she is willing to accept, but also accept that she might just want you to sit quietly in the corner and not get in the way.

If you do get to stay for the entire birthing process, make sure to write up a little story of how your cousin's baby was born, and give it to her, so she can pass it down to her child. During my birth, I was so focused on getting through the pain, that I missed a lot of really cute and funny and touching things going on around me. Make a note of all of those, so she can get a complete picture from you.

I would suggest you also read a book called The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin. It will teach you a lot and will give you insight as to what is helpful and what is not during birthing.

Good luck!