Why I Invited the World to Watch My Child’s Birth Online
November 7, 2009 was the best day of my life! My beautiful baby girl, Solveig, was born early that morning. She weighed 6 pounds 8 ounces and measured 18.75 inches, earning her nickname “Little Peanut.” Giving birth for the first time was just as amazing as everyone claims, but there is one difference between me and most moms – I shared my entire pregnancy experience and delivery with the whole world.
When I first learned that I was pregnant, I had tons of questions and concerns, so I turned to the online mom-to-mom community, MomsLikeMe.com. After joining, I was quickly overwhelmed by the friendship and support I received from other moms on the site. Their care meant so much to me, so it felt natural to take this support system with me every step of the way, inviting my new friends to participate in my journey of pregnancy and childbirth. I worked with the staff at MomsLikeMe.com and developed a group called “Watch Lynsee Grow” where I blogged about what I was going through and chatted with other moms from Minneapolis – and across the country – about being pregnant. I also invited cameras to attend midwife appointments and baby showers with me, so that everyone, no matter where they lived, could be a part of it all!
As wonderful as all those stepping-stones were, everyone (including me) was most excited about the last few hours. There was a lot of speculation as to whether the filming was going to be up close and personal. It was personal, but the labor and delivery showcased the miracle of birth in a tasteful way. When Solveig was born, she became the first baby to be born live on a social network.
People were very surprised by this decision - even at first my husband, Anders. But as a teacher, I loved the idea of having my body serve as a textbook to educate other women about the experience. I am so happy to have shared Solveig’s birth via the Internet. The support I received and friendships I made are priceless. I feel that I helped other expectant moms learn about the journey of pregnancy and childbirth. This was the reason for my decision—not money, freebies or fame. Anything I was given along the way was given to charity.
I will never forget the experience or those who supported me and I thank everyone who offered advice. Now that my precious baby girl is here, my life is focused on Solveig and raising her to be the best person she can be.
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"I wanted attention!"
Not to detract to the new addition. I am fond of babies , especially mine. So, congratulations and all that.
But at the same time, like, big deal. As Bill Maher said, "A dog can do that".
Um, the last I checked this was the first live birth shown on a social network. So, well, it does seem like a big deal. Just because you wouldn't do it doesn't mean you have to criticize another individual who did. I'm not sure I even get your Bill Maher quote. I love Bill, but using it makes zero sense in this instance. In fact, I might even label that quote as sexist .
I would not begrudge anyone from doing this, just anyone trying to sensationalize or make a controversy out of something.
Which is the point of this site, it seems.
But that does not change the fact that most of life procreates sexually, and showing such a thing on a "social media " really does not do anything for the act.
Bill Maher 's quote is precisely to that, if politically incorrect, still true, point, that this happens every day, thousands (millions even) of times.
I can appreciate making the event more visceral and real for those that have not experienced it, but it's really not an evolution that needs to be "reality tv"ed - that tends to have a cheapening effect on things - like civilization.
I must say that Lynsee's online birth was one of the most touching experiences I've ever seen! She was so strong throughout the entire labor and delivery. Lynsee's decision to share this monumental moment with the world had grown men crying -- some were even doctors ! Even though I've personally given birth to my own daughter -- there was something magical about watching baby Solveig come into this world. I will never forget that moment!