Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Second baby trauma

When the second child is born, it can be very traumatizing to the first-born. For one to three years, you have given the first born all the attention. Your every waking moment is on the first child. Playing, reading and feeding.

While the second child is developing, you can work towards preparing the first child of his or her arrival. This is OK right now because there is no time taken away from them. Help them understand why Mommy is a little more tired than before. Take the first born with you to some of the pre-natal visits. Explain to them as your tummy grows that their baby brother or sister is growing inside of Mommy’s tummy. Take them to the hospital to visit the nursery there to see other little babies. (If allowed) Have the first-born help you pack your suitcase for the big moment. Explain what will be happening. Explain that you will be coming home after a few days. This is exciting until the new arrival needs more of Mom’s time than the first child can understand. The baby needs feeding and the first-born wants to be feed too. What do you do?

Here are a few suggestions to help make the transition a little easier:

1. Consider letting the first child come to the hospital to pick Mom and baby up. He/she will feel like part of the homecoming team, instead of waiting at home.

2. If the first-born cannot come to the hospital, then have him/her prepare for the homecoming. Let him/her lay out diapers, make welcome home signs, bake cookies, or make treats.

3. Let Daddy stay in the car with new baby and Mom come in first to greet first born for a few minutes,

4. When gifts are given to the new baby, have a little gift on the side ready for this occasion. One gift for the baby and one gift for big sister/big brother. (Such as big sister tee shirt, big brother tee shirt, big sister bear, big brother bear, big sister onesie or big brother onesie)

5. Let big brother/sister help with new baby.

6. When changing diaper have big brother/sister, get the diapers or wipes for you.

7. At bathing time have big brother/sister get a towel and washcloth.

8. Let the big brother/sister feed the baby with help from you and then you do the burping.

9. Let big brother/sister help with the baby’s laundry. Let him/her fold the little outfits or receiving blankets.

10. Make sure you call the baby by his/her name, so the first-born can sense this is a person not an object.

11. When baby sleeps, give all of your attention to the big brother/sister.

12. Have Grandma baby-sit new baby while Mom takes big brother/sister to do something special.

If you share the time between the first child and the newborn, there won’t be such trauma of the new arrival. If the older child feels they are helping they will feel less jealous of the newborn.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Memory

I am sorry I stopped the 12 days of 2010. I was taking care of my ill Mom the past few weeks. She became 24 hour care and she was the only thing I could concentrate on at the moment. I am sorry I had a more important journey to follow. Now Mom has gone to a better place, I will need so time to heal.

I will be back better than ever. Thank you for your patience..

Thursday, January 7, 2010

12 Days of 2010


On the seventh day of 2010, my Sister gave to me...

A Big Sister Pink Bear

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

12 Days of 2010


On the sixth day of 2010, my Big Brother gave to me....

A big Brother Blue Bear

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

12 Days of 2010


On the fifth day of 2010, my Mommy gave to me..
A Pretty Plush Poodle with Leash

12 Days of 2010



On the fourth day of 2010, mu Uncle gave to me...
A Little Prince Musical Horse

12 Days of 2010


On the Third Day of 2010, my Aunt gave to me...

A Plush Pink Pup

Monday, January 4, 2010

12 Days of 2010


On the second day of 2010 my Grandpa gave to me..

Little Princess Musical Horse

12 Days of 2010


On the first day of 2010 my Grandma gave to me..

Plush Hot Stuff Pup


Remember the 12 days of Christmas? Well, then you will love the 12 days of 2010. Quick you missed the first few days. Keep up! Don't miss the next few days..




Blue Prince Horse

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