Explaining a Caesarean to a Toddler

[percival]

So, last night, I was talking to our DD (2.5) about her baby brother's birth. I explained that I would be very sore after the birth, because the doctors were going to cut my belly open right there (I showed her my old section scar) and lift baby out.

Toddler: listens with interest, prods scar, prods navel, prods belly
(This is the same toddler who'll go "ooh incy wincy PIDER" when she sees a real live spider and thinks all snakes are as funny as Ka from the Jungle Book.)

Husband: contorts face, pretends not to listen, and begs for less graphic detail

That's when I realised that my husband genuinely appreciates what I'll be going through to give birth to this baby safely.

Comments

[andrewducker]

I don't remember if you explained this before - but I'm curious as to why you had/are having a caesarean?

[perceval.livejournal.com]

I have a sizeable fibroid (highly vascular mass of tissue) at the cervix which effectively sits right next to the birth canal. This can make it next to impossible for the baby's head to pass through the pelvis, especially given that ultrasound can't detect the actual size and extent of the thing. Much of it might be hidden behind the uterus, but it's unlikely that the fibroid will move out of the way to let the baby pass.

[queenriley.livejournal.com]

Well at least he appreciates all you do! That's always a good thing.

And I bet she's excited for her baby brother, isn't she?

[andrewducker]

Aaah, that makes perfect sense.

Good luck with it - I hope it heals quickly!