Older sibling in the hospital?!

Cheryl - posted on 10/29/2010

Most hospitals are barely equipped for Dad to stay the night, plus it's such a change of environment I can't hardly think ANYone will get any sleep. They may not like it, but be open and honest and just ask if they can watch your older child. What we have done, since my husband doesn't get a goodnight sleep at the hospital, is he comes home and sleeps there so atleast one of us is fully functioning!!! Could they watch your son until he comes back??

We did the gift thing with our 3rd child a few years ago, I didn't really notice any increased bonding or whatever- but it was a new toy to keep the older ones occupied for awhile as Mom was busy with new baby.

adding 2nd was an okay transition
adding 3rd was alittle more difficult
adding 4th has been smooth sailing so far!!!!

Amanda - posted on 10/27/2010

depends on the hospital. the hospital that i went to wont let them stay during delivery but will let them visit after.. ask the hospital you r going to

Lyndsey - posted on 09/30/2010

thanks to everyone, the clock is ticking and I've actually pushed the issue with my parents and hopefully everything will be taken care of... Thanks for the well wishes, and good luck to everyone else as well!

Angeline - posted on 09/24/2010

I am also due in three weeks! I have done a lot of reading up on what to do with older sibling so they don't feel abandoned/replaced (I am a teacher who is paranoid about making my first daughter feel abandoned :) The best option is for them to stay at home with dad :) Apparently! My daughter is going to stay with granny and grandpa the day I have the caesar and then daddy will fetch her in the afternoon and bring her to see me (not the babe). While I am with her, then daddy spends time with new babe and then daddy and daughter go home together :) My daughter and daddy will come back the next day to meet the baby and new babe is giving her a present and daddy and daughter will bring a present from big sister for her new baby sister. Apparently it is also good for mommy to bond with the second child if it is just you and babe. Everyone has different advice but after reading up on this, we have decided to give it a try :) You can't plan everything, I know, but my little girl (she is 3) is sooooo precious...I really want to make this as easy as possible for her too :) Good luck!

Cassandra - posted on 09/22/2010

we can't have our son stay the night at the hospital so my hubby is going to sleep at home with him, not only for our son's routine but also we are 3000 miles away from family and don't want to burden anyone with out wild 2 year old! :) Most people wouldn't mind watching a 2 year old for the day. Good luck! :)

Naomi - posted on 09/21/2010

i agree here we aren't allowed to have anyone stay overnight. my parents don't step up either but i just tell them what i need them to do and they grumble and complain but it is worth it. it is after all not that much time. good luck

Vanessa - posted on 09/21/2010

That is really horrible!
If no one is stepping up, then it's up to you to force the issue. Just be blunt and ask!
I wouldn't think hospitals will let you keep another child with you. Can your hubby take your son home at night or are you a single mum? My due date is 3 weeks away too - good luck!!