It’s time to welcome the new baby that’s been growing inside of you for so many months now! You should be encouraged and excited now that you’ve been through this before, and you’re more confident and calm about the thought of work. You are expecting a birth, but what about your first child? You know from your past experience that childbirth takes time.

So make sure you have a grandparent or family member, a close friend or babysitter to look after your child while you are in the hospital. This will reassure the child that the arrival of a new one will not affect his daily routine, and he will still be able to eat his favorite dinner or snack, as before. Let your child know how long you will be in the hospital. How and when he meets you again – separation from you can bite him hard.

Also make sure someone takes him to the hospital every day to meet you if possible. Tell your firstborn that you will miss him and take a picture of him by the bed. Ask him to share a toy so mom doesn’t feel lonely. Let him draw something for you. What is the best way to meet a newborn? Have your child choose a gift of their choice to welcome a sibling. He would be more than thrilled at the prospect of a gift! Help wrap him up and let him give to his brother or sister.