#1 Visiting You and #2 in Hospital After #2 Is Born

Once you are all done and have no more Iv or any other scary looking things you definately want him to come visit. This way he can see you and the new one and so he doesnt feel like the new baby took you away. Some good advice I got when my 3 wa born was- Make sure your not holding the new baby when the older comes in so your arms are free for them. Have the new baby give a present and the older bring a present for the new baby too. No doubt there will be some jealousy but it can be dealt with. Another thing we did was have a big brother/sister BBQ when the baby came home. This way friends and family got to see the new one but the older 2 thought everyone was there for them. Sometimes the older will just surprise you, I thought my 2 year old would be mean to the baby but he always wants to hold her and kiss her and is only mean to his big sister.
Best of luck and Congratulations!
C.

I have 3 boys, 12, 5 and 1yr old, my boys came to visit me and I think it was a great time to bond with the baby, I had my IV and the 3rd child was a c-section It didn't seem to be scary, if you don't make it scary it could be a wonderful learning experience and bonding time for your other child.

Hi,

I am a women's health nurse practitioner and provide prenatal and postpartum care, and this is my experience. Your first son should absolutely come to the hospital to visit you. I would suggest that you go together before the new baby comes and show him where you're going to be and talk about how you'll be sleeping there, and that you're excited that he'll be coming to visit you. If you can go look at the newborn nursery, even better, show him where his new brother will be. Also it's good to tell him about when he was born and what happened and how happy you were, etc.

I agree with the 1st response, do have your arms ready for him when he comes to visit. A present is a fabulous idea, and if you anticipate lots of presents for the new baby, try to either ask people to bring something for your older son too, or have a bunch of small items from the drug store that he can open for himself too. (At this age, 2 year olds love the opening, so what you buy is less important than that he have something to open). Encourage him to visit you as much as possible. You need to see each other.

Some of my patients have made videotapes of themselves that they have the caregiver play when mommy is in the hospital, so the toddler can see mommy anytime they want, if it's at a time when they can't visit.

You're going to do well. Best wishes for a safe delivery, Barb

When I was pregnant with my daughter my son was three. I would always tell him there was a baby in there so he wouldn't be surprise when she came. When I was in labor my son was the one who went to wake up daddy and saw me in the beginging of labor. He was in and out of the labor room until I started pushing. When I could have visiters he was the first one. This whole time my son did look a little scared. With the look "why is mommy lying in bed with things hooked up." But after when his sister was there and mommy was smiling again he was fine. I think the hospital bonding is important. My son held his sister for the first time in the hospital and right now there the best of friends. He always help with her and he makes her laugh like no other. I feel if I would have just showed up with a new baby after two days he may have been a little jealous. Hopefully I helped and didn't bore you. Take care and hopefully everything works out. Congrats on your new baby.

Definitely have your son visit you. My son was 4 1/2 when his brother was born, also via c-section. He wasn't at all bothered by the iv or any of that. He was bored, really. He didn't want to stay long. It was 2 days after Christmas and he just wanted to play with his toys. I made a big deal out of his visit, of course, and I made sure that I had pictures of him in my hospital room so that he would feel important. I also made sure to call and talk to him at bedtime every night.

After your son comes the first time, you'll know how much he should be at the hospital with you and how much he wants to be there. You also might be out sooner than you think. My 2nd c-section was Monday, and I went home on Wednesday. I gave my older son a present from his new brother when we got home. He liked that.

Definitely let your 1st child come visit you and meet their sibling. Even if you are hooked up to something, explain clearly and matter-of-factly what they are and why mommy is in the hospital. Depending on your pain, you might let your little one climb into bed with you (I did with my 4 year old 3 months ago- of course I didn't have a C-section)
Anyway, let him know that you are going to stay in the hopital and he will go home with (daddy/grandma,etc.) and that you will be home soon with the baby.
Have a great delivery!
Take Care,
F.
www.discoverytoyslink.com/fatimac

I had 3 c-section. My kids all came to see me everyday, with their dad. It was a great bonding experience for everyone.
Congratulations on your new member of your family!
K.