Even though you’ve been through pregnancy and childbirth before. Being aware of the changes to come and helping your older child understand what to expect is the best way to prepare for this joyous event.
Understand the needs of your first child before your delivery so that you can arrange all things in a systematic way.
- Encourage your toddler to socialize and play with other children, perhaps in a playgroup. This helps your child to develop the social skills they will need to have a good relationship with their new sibling.
- Take help from your elders as you cannot give attention to both of them at the same time. Explain to them about food and sleep timings, likes and dislikes of your older child to your elders so that they can take care accordingly.
- Remind visitors to pay attention to your older child, and not just the baby.
- Point out the benefits of being an older child, like choosing what to eat, being able to go to the park and play, and having friends.
- If you don’t have the help of elders from family, hire a nanny few months before the time of delivery so that your child and nanny get acquainted with each other
References:
https://www.babycenter.com/0_getting-care-for-your-child-during-the-birth-of-a-sibling-ov_3636618.bc
https://www.ahaparenting.com/ages-stages/pregnancy/preparing-child-separation-while-birth-new-baby
By,
Dr. Y. Alekhya
#Thinkhealth blog 