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What's a child to do while mommy is in the hospital having another child?
Everything in our lives right now revolves around the pending birth of Lucas Emilio. He's scheduled to arrive via C-section next week.
My wife, Carrie Ann, is at that point where she can't get comfortable in any position. I worry about having all the last minute errands done.
My daughter, Ana Isabel, well she seems to be the least worried. Of course, she'll be three in August. So her focus is playing with mommy or papi or a best friend she makes that day. Still, Ana knows she's going to become a big sister next week.
My biggest worry is how will Ana handle her mommy being in the hospital for a few days. My mother-in-law is flying in to help. And I'll be off of work. So hopefully, we'll keep her busy. But still, the hospital can be a traumatic place for adults. And it's the first time Ana and momma won't be sleeping under the same roof overnight.
So what do you suggest for keeping a nearly three-year-old child from being traumatized by a hospital experience?
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Comments
Whenever you go to the hospital make sure to pack Ana's favorite toys, blanket, dolls and spread them around when she gets there. That way there will be things she recognizes so that it isn't such a scary place. Make sure she knows her mommy is going to "a new place for a little while so to get her new little brother." But when she comes home she will come home with him and Ana will get to take care of him too.
Hope this helps.
Posted by: Lady8 | April 24, 2008 4:50 PM
I had a very long labor with Beth, who was born when Abby was 27 months old.
Abby came to the hospital to see me while I was in labor -- and obviously not at my mommy best -- with her Fisher Price doctor bag in hand. She put a Band-Aid on my tummy, checked my heart and the baby's heart, and was reassured by all the nurses that Mommy was in good hands.
My mom then took her home and she didn't see me again until the next day, when she came to hold Baby Beth in her first hours of life.
It was a magical wonderful time, and I have to say I was pleased and surprised at how well she took it.
At 3, Ana Isabel is quite capable of understanding that Mommy needs to go into the hospital to have her new baby brother or sister. She can share in your excitement, and she'll be fine for a night while waiting for her new baby.
Soon, the baby will be here and there will be a whole new world for her!
Posted by: Vicki Brennan | April 24, 2008 9:05 PM
I have found quite simply that younger children merely take their cues from their parents. If you are calm, so they will be. Ever catch your child taking a side-long glance at you before they register their own reaction to an event ? I'll say it again - they take their cues from you !
Posted by: Jeff | April 25, 2008 12:21 PM
I agree with the above posters. I was in a similar situation. My daugher was born Mar 26 and my 2.5 year old son was home with his grandmas during my time in the hospital. He definitely missed me and was glad to see me when he came to visit. However, he was also a bit bored at the hospital and kind of unsure why we were making all this fuss about a baby sister. He definitely asked to go home after about 1 hr. My mom/mother-in-law tried very hard to keep his regular schedule and that worked out best.
One suggestion that's kind of nice: Baby sister got him a big brother present of baby Elmo. He loved getting a present from her and he helped us by taking care of Baby Elmo while we were busy with Sister. Also, others are sometimes getting him small Big Brother presents as well when they give us baby gifts. It's not necessary and he doesn't get upset when sister gets one without one for him, but it's also a nice way to make being the big brother a big deal.
Posted by: amy | May 1, 2008 8:34 AM