Does birth influence personality?

[Susan]

Or the other way round!

Yesterday I was reminded again how different my two boys really are. We went to investigate a new playgroup for my youngest (2.5yr). On arrival, he marched straight through the door, helped himself to his lunch box and set himself up at the table to eat. He had arrived! We had never been to this house before and I was again reminded of his confidence and sense of self.

My eldest (6.5yrs) on the other hand, spent the entire two hours close to my side until the last ten minutes when he mustered the courage to join the older children playing.

I often ponder their births and their natures. My eldest was 10days post 40 weeks. He didn't really want to get moving and only after some acupunture decided to come. He made his way slowly down the birth canal going back and forward for hours. I remember making the firm decision it was time for him to be born. This scenario often plays out in our life. He seems to need to know clear boundaries and pushes and pushes until they are set. He loves being home and close to us and generally needs a fair bit of encouragement to venture out.

My youngest however is quite different. His arrival earth bound was succinct and powerful. He wanted to be here and there was absolutely no stopping him. He was born quickly and with great confidence. This is very much how he lives his life. Sure of who he is and his purpose in being here.

Has anyone else noticed a correlation between their child's birth and their nature?

[moo]

Somewhat. BBL though, meant to be mailing out the coop tally

[Marmee]

Very interesting.

I believe it certainly plays it's part, amongst other things.

Our first born was a little like your first born, Susan. Labour was quite long (20 something hours), but gentle. I really had to decide that enough wa enough and I was worn out, so it's time for you to come on out, dear baby And, out he came His uncertainty about coming into the world has definitely carried through with him - he likes to know he can succeed before he tries something, he likes encouragement and direction, he is very gentle and kind.

Our second born was an emergency c-section. It was one scary, fast ride. As I type this, I am laughing - our second born is one fast little munchkin. She is in to everything, loves people, doesn't hold back, will have a go at anything and does it all at the fastest possible pace. She just loves life.

Our third was the most peaceful birth ever. Our labour was smooth, everything went like clockwork, and he made a pretty fast entry into the world, but it was very controlled (if that makes sense??) This baby is still only very young, but we are beginning to see his very calm nature, his laid back personality. There is peace all around him.

I also believe genes, birth order and environment have a lot to do with our little one's personalities. They all work together to create these wonderous little people

Great thread.

[hanabi]

*goosebumps*

I agree it's a cocktail of genes and experience/imprinting. I think birth, like life, is the clash of personalities. Not just birth influencing personality, I suspect it's also personality affecting the birth.

[emd]

I think that birth influences parental expectations of personality, which in turn affects the development of the child's personality.

My first baby was born by elective CS after labour had started naturally at 37 weeks, because she was transverse. Her babyhood was spent with a mum who was careful while still getting her parenting confidence. She's a very happy, caring girl who is gentle and cautious with new things, but at the same time seems very self-confident.

Second baby was also CS, after a 39 hour VBAC attempt that ended with a ruptured uterus. She was the most AP'ed baby I've had. She'd make a good Sportsgirl spokesperson - she likes to make her own way (including out of my uterus). I've never seen a little girl with so much independence and spirit - great when she's trying new things, painful when she butts up against the boundaries in our household.

Third baby was an elective CS after a couple of days mild pre-labour, but with fewer pregnancy problems than the first two. Post-birth was the first time I haven't spent weeks crying on the couch after having a baby. He's only five months old, but seems like the happiest, most easygoing of my three (and just like his dad, also a third baby).

[Susan]

I also believe genes, birth order and environment have a lot to do with our little one's personalities. They all work together to create these wonderous little people

I agree. But I also find it interesting how a baby's birth is also a reflection of the little being coming earthside. I think children come with their own history and journey to come. I often enjoy the reminder from my own children that my role is one to hold them in that rather than create or control that for them. A challenge I am often confronted with!

[Bronnie]

niccola was born on her due date (calculated by me ), had a text book birth, no complications during it, took an average amount of time. this probably doesn't describe her very accurately now though.

justin decided to sit tight after my waters broke, and after 9 hours of yes, no labour, finally decided ok it was time. he was quick once he started (3 hours). this isn't him now, he's there. he was there yesterday. he's incredibly confident and i believe that is from being held constantly for his first year, co-sleeping etc, and having an excellent and caring day care mum who did heaps with him.

xanthia had a beautiful calm labour, and is like that irl. again, i put this down to her parenting, rather than her labour, and of course her own personality.

josie shot into this world. she's not like this at all now (thank goodness!) she's calm, relaxed, easy going, very cluey. again, i credit being held for so long each day, and having a family which obviously adores her.

[**raifaerie**]

great thread!
layla is 20 months old today - a little more poignant cos mums here at the moment (m&d live 12 hrs away) and was here for laylas birth too - we can see how far she has come in 20 months!

any hoo, i am sure that it was Layla's personality that shaped her labour - all attitude. stubborness at first (no way, im not coming out!) 11 days after her 'due date' she shot out in 3 hrs.
we didnt have time to get in the pool or use ANY of the labour props we had packed! and she arrived in one push with her hand up to her face.
she is very much an 'i can do it by myself, and ill do it my way' kinda gal, briefly assessing things before diving in head first with no fear!