Having your child be present during labor

Has anyone had experience going through labor or even birth with their child around? I have a 2 year old daughter, and I just feel like I want her there, at least in the early phases of labor (probably not the actual birth). I guess I just really want to savor the last moments of her being my only child before we welcome our baby. The hospital I am birthing at doesn’t allow children outside of regular visiting hours, but I am planning to labor at home for as long as possible.

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I deliberately hid from my two year old as he would've been very distressed to see me in pain. We had a couple of hours before my mum could arrive and I had to make excuses. I don't think it's great for them to be around, tbh. I laboured at home and arrived at the hospital ready to push so I was in quite a bit of pain and I'd been sick from it too. So all quite unpleasant if my son had seen it.

If you're someone who does the tea lights and tries to breathe out the baby then maybe it'd be better but I tried the tens machine, comb, hypnobirthing, etc and for me personally I still felt it was best to be away from my older child.

If I have a 2nd I wouldn’t have my 1st around. Even tho I managed my labour I was screaming when his head came out I wouldn’t want to traumatise my son especially if he’s so young lol

I personally couldn’t have my children around while I’m in labour.
I need to be totally focused and in the zone I wouldn’t be able to do that with my children there plus I wouldn’t want them to be traumatised seeing me in pain.
I’m due any day now and my husband will be taking our boys to my parents until after the birth.

By some miracle a nurse kept an eye on my 2yr old while I pushed so my husband could be in the room. It’s a hard situation to plan for-in every way- but sometimes things work out 💛

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