Bringing kids to Birth

I absolutely love bringing all my kids to experience the birth of a new family member. When I found out I was pregnant with my second baby, I didn't have to even think about it, to me it was a given. My first daughter was 3 when my second daughter was born and she was so excited and anxious to see her baby sister come out. She attended every appointment throughout my pregnancy, all the tests and ultrasound were explained to her and as I was pushing her sister out, I looked over to see the awesome expression on her face and was so tickled by it that it made me smile!
Since then I have included my children in all my births except one - my fifth, he was stillborn. Having my children witness the births of their siblings and giving them roles and duties during and after the births has kept our little family very close and also gives them a better understanding of how our family grows and how important each of them are to each other - and to me.
I realize not everyone feels their children can "handle" being in the room while their baby is being born or during labor, it is a choice to be made by each mother and/or father, however, I have seen women who think their kids wouldn't do well during the event and when it actually occurs, they find themselves very pleased and surprised at how amazing the kids behave and how truly interested the child(ren) become in experiencing such an awesome event. It is a lesson they will not soon forget.
In America we tend to shelter and protect our children from so many things that in other countries are considered a normal way of life - or an expected action or event. America is supposed to be a very liberal and "freedom of choice" nation, yet oftentimes we see a lot of concealment and closed minded "professionals" who shy away from things that really aren't complicated or unnatural. OBGYN's put age restrictions and limits on how many people and who is allowed in the room at the hospital with the laboring mother - which mostly eliminates the siblings, which ultimately makes the decision for you.
Regardless of a woman's decision, it is HER decision to make. Involving the siblings gives them a stronger bond and unity with their family and encourages them to be more involved in caring for their new baby - which can be a huge help and benefit to mom.