Home birth and our dog

Justie · 29 June 2007 at 9:12AM

thanks for all the stories it's good to hear them

he's a lovely dog and would probably be fine if he's allowed to see what's happening but he's not very happy when he's shut out of somewhere and there are things going on - although if it's the middle of the night his bed rules and nothing else matters :rotfl:

we may work on having him on his own more so he's used to it before the birth or we may just send him to the sitters but I like having him around so I'm a bit loathe to increase our family without him being present IYSWIM (although I bet they wouldn't let me sneak him into the hospital :rolleyes:

)

Avoriaz · 29 June 2007 at 4:02PM

Let the dog in the room after you have given birth.

He will probably clear up the afterbirth for you.

Counting_Pennies_2 · 29 June 2007 at 6:07PM

I haven't had time to read the responses, but my friend gave birth at home with a cat, and it was a complete pain. The midwifes were trying to keep the area sterile and it was a hot day so they had windows and doors open, and the cat kept coming in.

The midwifes found it a complete distraction and the mother found it frustrating that attention was being diverted from her to the cat.

Also bear in mind you may have to go into hospital, not what you are hoping for I am sure, but the last thing you will want to do in an emergency is try to get someone to look after the dog, if you are both gone for some time.

I would say arrange for the dog to be elsewhere

Justie · 30 June 2007 at 10:50AM

Avoriaz wrote: »

Let the dog in the room after you have given birth.

He will probably clear up the afterbirth for you.

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: he would as well!

Justie · 30 June 2007 at 10:53AM

Counting_Pennies wrote: »

Also bear in mind you may have to go into hospital, not what you are hoping for I am sure, but the last thing you will want to do in an emergency is try to get someone to look after the dog, if you are both gone for some time.

thanks for that I can imagine how distracting it would be - I think the dog would be different though as he will do as he's told unlike any cat I've ever met

If we end up in hospital then friends would come and dog sit so that's an easy option but we've also had some offers to take the dog whether we're at home or not so we're getting sorted. It's just so hard to know what will happen so I want to explore all options and basically I want my furry baby :rolleyes: to be around when I have my new baby so if I can then he'll still be in the house.

carol_a_3 · 30 June 2007 at 11:27AM

I know it was a long time ago but when my mum had my sister at home our great big softie alsation, who was very much mum's dog, was lying outside the bedroom during the delivery (with the door shut) but, as soon as possible, she was allowed in and shown the baby and they were firm friends ever after. Good luck with the baby.

izoomzoom · 30 June 2007 at 1:39PM

Avoriaz wrote: »

Let the dog in the room after you have given birth.

He will probably clear up the afterbirth for you.

Yuk ! Yuk ! Yuk !

Avoriaz · 30 June 2007 at 1:47PM

izoomzoom wrote: »

Yuk ! Yuk ! Yuk !

It is not unheard of for parents to cook and eat the afterbirth.

It is very nourishing. After all it has nourished a baby for 9 months.

However I think I agree with your yuks. :eek:

Counting_Pennies_2 · 30 June 2007 at 7:25PM

Justie wrote: »

thanks for that I can imagine how distracting it would be - I think the dog would be different though as he will do as he's told unlike any cat I've ever met

You say that, but apparently pets have an amazing maternal experience around the time of birth, that was according to the midwife who attended my friend's birth.

They suddenly go all 'native' during the birth of a human and can sometimes be unpredictable. Also seeing you in such discomfort unsettles them and it can bring on resentment of the new baby if they link the pain you went through with the little one coming out.

Justie · 1 July 2007 at 10:42AM

thanks counting pennies I can see what your saying is very wise - he wouldn't be in the room and probably not upstairs at all but I'll bear it in mind.

candygirl · 1 July 2007 at 11:09AM

If i was giving birth again i'd rather have my dogs there than me ex oh.He was the one who had to go home because he was tired straight after my daughter was born in hospital.Meanwhile there's me, having been in labour for 36 hours fresh as a fkin daisy, NOT!!.Hope all goes well hun, and bet your dog will be fine :rotfl: :rotfl: