About Testimonials Client Portal Contact Blog Media Features
Work with Lucy

Preparing Big Siblings for Your Birth and a New Baby!

Mar 20, 2024

Helping Big Siblings to Adapt to a New Baby

Things to consider while you are still pregnant:

1. Is there a special gift you might give to your old child(ren)?

2. Who will their other trusted adults be besides you?

3. Who might be able to take them for play dates or school drop offs?

4. Consider reading about becoming a sibling and to expose them to other babies/sibling relationships before your baby arrives. Many places offer “sibling prep” classes too.

5. Prepare your older child(ren) for how your time and attention may shift after baby is born.

5. Involve them in your pregnancy journey--feeling baby's movements, coming to prenatal visits (often times your provider can help them use the doppler to be the mini-midwife and help find the heartbeat!)

6. Will the siblings be present at your birth? (I will write a separate blog post on this soon! Our 5 yo attended her little brother's birth and we prepared a lot.)

 

Things to consider after baby has arrived:

1.  consider a “birthday party” for the new sibling in which the older sibling(s) have a choice in what food is served and how they want to celebrate. Let them plan it as much as possible! (And outsource with pre-baked goods or have another person in your postpartum inner circle help because…postpartum REST!)

2. Consider a big sibling gift.

3. Maintain big sibling's routines as much as possible.

4. Validate their feelings and honor that there may be some very normal behavior like tantrums or regression. Try to respond to this with love and patience and understanding.

5. Give ample opportunities for bonding and big sibling responsibility (grabbing diapers or drinks for you while feeding etc).

 

Books for Big Siblings

  • “Hello in There” by Jo Witek (for big sister)
  • “Hello Baby” by Jenni Overend (if preparing for a homebirth)
  •  “Baby on the Way” by Martha and William Sears
  • “Baby Egg Countdown Calendar”
  • “Hello Baby” by Lizzy Rockwell 

 Join the "Natal Well" Monthly Newsletter

Receive a monthly newsletter all about pregnancy, parenting, research updates, and holistic health.

I will never spam you!

Categories

All Categories birth plan birth trauma birth wishes blue light blockers breastfeeding breastmilk breathwork bromelain can spicy foods induce labor? cardinal movements castor oil induction of labor cervical ripening chamomile collagen safety during pregnancy cord prolapse dates for cervical ripening dates to naturally induce labor decreasing milk supply dream birth early signs of labor eggplant inducing labor emergency c section epidurals evening primrose oil expectful fetal movement hand pump headaches hemorrhoid relief high blood pressure during pregnancy ilia is diarrhea a sign of labor kjer weiss l-glycine l-theanine labor coping labor shakes lactation magnesium manual pump mindfulness natural headache treatment for pregnancy natural induction of labor natural ways to reduce blood pressure while pregnant needed partner neededpartner nidra yoga non toxic baby products nontoxic beauty ogee oversupply pineapple and labor preeclampsia pregnancy pregnancy acupuncture pregnancy herbs pregnancy insomnia pregnancy pillow pregnancy safe makeup prenatal yoga preventing preeclampsia pumping red raspberry leaf tea in pregnancy rise centered rms sage tea shaking during labor sleep during pregnancy sleep supplements pregnancy spinning babies stress relief tata harper this is needed tip to stop shaking during labor traditional medicinals transition of labor trauma informed birth trauma informed care unisom pregnancy vomiting during labor weaning what does transition of labor feel like? what to pack in your hospital birth bag wishagrden herns wishgarden yoga nidra