When to ask Godparents if they will be Godparents? Is it different in Ireland?

[SESthebrave]

Before having DS I had 2 mmc and was very shocked when DH said he wanted to ask his Dsis to be GodMother when I was only about 20wks pg. DH is Irish and is the only member of his immediate family living outside of Ireland. He asked her anyway even though I wanted him to wait until after the birth. I didn't make a huge fuss after he'd done it at the time as it wouldn't have changed anything.

Anyway I'm now 10wks pg with DC2 (after another mc) and we've agreed who we would ask to be Godparents. GodMother would be another of DH's sisters. He's said this morning he'd like to ask her quite soon as they're having financial problems at the moment and this would be something to put a smile on her face..

I appreciate the sentiment but it just seems wrong to me to ask before the baby is even here! I'd be interested to know what others think and if anyone does have experience of asking this early being the norm in Ireland.

No it's not usually the norm here to ask before birth but maybe he wants to give them time to make plans to travel, etc?

Thanks for your reply. I don't think that's the reason to want to ask although I could understand if we were further along with the pregnancy. I don't really think they need this much time to plan travel when the due date isn't until end of May 2012!

I think the reality is that he's just excited and wants to give his sister something to smile about! It just doesn't sit right with me to ask about Godparents before the birth, nevermind about asking at 10wks pg!