x- post from pregnancy. Parents of 2 or more...

How did you approach DC about you going into hospital?
A little nervous about leaving DD's.

I don't want them to be sad. I still remember when my Mom had my brother. It is a big deal to a child. Their mother being in the hospital for a couple of days.

My daugters are 3 1/2.

Thanks! Any advice would be great appreciated.
Melissa

Re: x- post from pregnancy. Parents of 2 or more...

When i had the babies, it was November so they were strict about kids visitng because of H1N1, so he couldn't visit. I was in for 2 days before I delivered and then 4 more....it was hard for me, and i was sooooo worried about my son but he did great.

When i left I told him I had to go to the hospital, which was like a big special dr.'s office. he seemed ok with it, i told him his brother and sister were going to come there and then i was going to bring them home. i had a few little gifts picked out that my mom and dh gave him and said i sent it from the hospital. He was 2 1/2 but he did fine.

Re: x- post from pregnancy. Parents of 2 or more...

I took DS to the hospital siblings class. DD was born 2 weeks before the swine flu clamp down on visitors.
I got him a book about being a big brother.
I took him to the toy store to pick a present out for DD from him.
I got him a present from DD.
When he came to the hospital each day he got a small wrapped toy. In part to keep him occupied and to make him think this was a good thing.
I had the nurse bring DD into the room after DS was in the room with me. He saw her behind the glass first with the rest of the family.
At every opportunity before DD was born I pointed out siblings and how well they got along and said that he would be a big brother.
I told him all of the things he could do as a big brother, i.e. help get diapers or tissues or bring DD a toy. He could "read" with her and sing to her. He could draw DD a picture.
I also told him that he should not pick DD up but if he wanted to hold her he should ask and we would help him hold her. DS is 2 1/2 and DD is 6 months old and they are as thick as thieves. You can see the love they have for one another. However, DS was mad today and tried to step on DD. I stopped him before he did it, and he got in trouble, but 99% they are great together. I also make sure to tell both of them how much I love them and that they are both my best kids.

Re: x- post from pregnancy. Parents of 2 or more...

my dd was 2 1/2 when I had dd, I was a wreck having never not been there for her, getting her ready every morning, etc. - ironically, I think she did better than I did! She was not traumatized and able to come to the hospital each day (I was there two and came home on the third). She went to school the day I came home, dh went for a dad's snack (it was almost father's day) and brought her home to see us there - she has been in love with her lil sister ever since!

Re: x- post from pregnancy. Parents of 2 or more...

I know they will be okay I guess it's me that won't be okay. They are pretty busy. They have school 4 days a week & dance another day. They will have some play dates in between.

I got them presents from the new baby from American Girl which I know they will be excited about.

I just worry about not being there morning & night.

Thanks everyone You have calmed my nerves.