Important Question for all mummies with more than 1 child or expecting nr 2

My plan is not to bring my 2 1/2 year old to the hospital at all. I just know how his temperament can be, and he's not going to take well at all to me holding a new baby and especially if I'm not going home with him right then and there.He's a very possessive and jelous little boy when it comes to me and other babies and children. I will be leaving him with his grandmother who he adores while me and my husband (or sister- if hubby doesn't make it in time) deliver #2. I think for us it will just work out better if my son sees me with the new baby at home, in an environment where he's comfortable around many people who he loves and trusts. This is just what will work out for us, however all children are different and maybe your little one will do just fine at the hospital with you.

Hospitals need not be scary places for kids, but if you take your child with you and are visibly in pain, or stressed then yes, a hospital could easily become a scary place, especially if your child is then whisked away and not allowed to see you after a certain point. Also, while its nice to "involve" your first child, you need to consider the needs of your second child here. You need to focus all your energy on giving birth, without the distractions of your 3 year old. And your husband would generally be an important support person during your labour, communicating your needs to your Dr and nurses when you are too focussed to talk. I know with my second birth, my husband was essential in advocating for me, keeping me comfortable, helping me focus and making sure the birth plan was adhered to before and after the birth. That would not have been possible if our first child had been in the room with him. Unless you have absolutely no choice, I really would not have your son with you for a hospital birth. I think its different when people have home births, as your child is in a "safe" environment and can move away to their own space if they don't want to be a part of things. My daughter timed her birth very considerately ;). I went in labour early morning, laboured all day at home (and out and about) with my then 2 year old. Had a lovely dinner at home and put my son to bed. (singing bedtimes songs was a little tricky but I pulled it off) and then my husband and I went to the hospital leaving my son with my mum. My daughter was born 3 hours later and my husband then headed home, went to bed and was there when my son woke in the morning, put him down for his lunchtime nap and then came to collect me and the baby. I was keen to get home quickly but if I had stayed longer then I would of course had him come in and visit us in the hospital. For me that was best case scenario, and wishing the same for you, it just worked better for us not to tell my son the baby was on its way until she was out. (I mean of course he knew the baby was coming, just not that night).

Hospitals are generally scarey places for kids. Won't you want your husband there with you while in labor instead of entertaining your 3 year old? Won't your husband prefer to be with you instead of worrying about your 3 year old? If you have reliable people able to watch him, I'd suggest you not take him to the hospital. Depending on how long you are there, you might want someone to bring him there to meet the baby and see you, but I wouldn't bring him while you're in labor.

Hi...I had my second one few months back and my older one was almost 3 yrs then. Left him home with my mother and maid. If you have someone who can take care of your older one...then pls keep home, or if your friend is offering to help, then drop him there on the way to the hospital or ask them to pick him up from the hospital ASAP. We then got my older one to come the next day to see his baby brother and like you did, we got our older one a present...saying its from his baby brother :)