Preparing Children for Pregnancy and a
New Baby
Your child’s age will play an important factor in determining how your child or children will react to your new pregnancy. For example, a toddler might not understand the concept of pregnancy until they actually see and meet the new baby. Sharing the news with a pre-school aged child may be confusing because they may not understand why they have to wait so many months to meet their new baby brother or sister. The news of your pregnancy may make your child feel nervous threatened, or unloved. It is important to talk to your child about how they will be a big brother or big sister, because the feelings that they are experiencing will be a normal reaction to your pregnancy. They’ll notice your changing shape and overhear conversations about pregnancy. So it is important to make time for your child or children and give them space when needed. It is alos important to offer reassurance that you will provide enough love to be passed around to all of your children. Remember to wait until you are in your second trimester before your news in the event of a miscarriage. Try to set a couple of nights aside right before the baby is born to spend some time alone with your child or children. Explain to them that while the new baby will take up a lot of your time, you still love them very mush and will make special time for just the two of you.
Photo Courtesy of Prince Prints
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