Kids in delivery room – a step too far?

CELEBRITY chef Jamie Oliver and his wife Jools had two of their oldest kids present at the birth of their latest child. The two girls, aged 14 and 12, even helped cut the cord. Some have said this is a nice way for kids to bond with their new sibling, while others believe children shouldn’t be exposed to mum giving birth. We asked our Email Jury what they thought.

I believe this was done for publicity. Children should not be made to watch this experience. Margaret Brown, Rutherglen.

It depends entirely on the mother and how she feels. Personally, when I gave birth to my three children, I wanted everyone to leave the room and that included doctors and nurses. Margaret Gibb, Burntisland.

We have gone from the sublime Victorian ethics to the ridiculous. We haven’t reached a happy medium yet. There is a time and place for everything. Bea Smith, Doncaster.

A lot depends on the child. If you let children see you naked and going to the toilet and so on, then maybe they would think nothing of it. Otherwise, it could traumatise. Elizabeth O’Regan, Lincoln.

I think 14 and 12 is a bit young to witness the rather messy business of childbirth. They aren’t mature enough to cope with anything that might have gone wrong. Liz Kelly, Glasgow.

It’s a matter of personal choice. Why should anyone else say what’s right or wrong for other people’s families? Stephen Calder, Peterhead.

I see nothing wrong with the practice provided the children are aware of what they are about to see. Ronald James, Kirriemuir.

Previously taboo subjects are now more open which is surely a good thing. If it is agreeable to both parents and children then why not? The girls were both old enough to understand what was happening and witness the miracle of birth. Lorraine Anderson, Edinburgh.

Each to their own – this definitely isn’t for every family. I do hope other mums-to-be don’t feel pressurised to do the same Judi Martin, Aberdeenshire.

Who are we to criticise those who do different things in life? There is worse to worry about in the world. Jean-Claude Huntzinger, Lochgelly.