Moms of 2 or more

allison8878

Did your first child come to the hospital to meet the new baby? How did they react? What is your recommendation?
We can't seem to make a decision as to whether or not we should have Quinn come to the hospital. Visiting hours are very limited (11am-1pm and 6-8pm), so we are worried that he is going to be upset when he has to leave and can't stay with mommy, daddy, and baby. Plus, I'm not sure how he is going to react to seeing me in a bed in the hospital. He is such a sensitive kid and doesn't even like it when I have a cold and need to be in bed at home.
Thanks for any advice! I'm more worried about Quinn handling the new baby's arrival than I am about the actual labor and delivery part.

SoontobeSavino

yes yes yes yes yes, a million yesses! Alex loved being able to see his new brother when he was born. He brought him a balloon and flowers and thought it was the greatest thing ever. He held him and really just stared at him the whole time. It was precious, and I am SO happy that I he was able to come see us.

LizC78

I was the same way.. My dd was only 19 months and was still my baby, I didn't want to be away from her.  I actually had him at 7pm on Friday night and my mom brought her up Saturday to spend some time with me. I had her sit with me and I showed her the baby but then I spent some time with just her alone, I had DH take the baby out and everyone else too.. We just hung out for like 30 min just like nothing was going on.  We had stickers and really just played.  I was really trying to make her feel like I was fine and she was going to go eat with Nana and then come see me again.  We then gave her a present from the baby before she left.  She took it much better than I did... I wanted to go home sooo bad to be with her.  I actually went home Sunday morning by the time she got home from church with my parents we were home.  So for us it all worked out but it also helped that she is super close to my parents. 

Good luck..

Sandra&Chad

I vote for yes as well.  Jordan was older when Alexis was born.  Lexi was born at 9:30 or so in the evening and we did not get to our room till around midnight and he was still at the hospital with my parents.  He got to hold his sister right away.  When Ian was born Chad got the kids and had them in the hospital around lunchtime to hang out with me and the baby.  I have pictures of Alexis looking at Ian like, who the hell are you and what the hell are you doing here, but she was only 15 months old when I had him.  Do what is right for your family, but I see no problem with it.  Make sure you have the big brother gift ready for him so you can give it to him.  Makes it easier as well.

 

I can not believe that you are this close.  Good luck at your appointment later on.  

VandRicky

oh yes,Sebastian came in as soon as I was in my room and it was such a beautiful experience seeing my two boys for the first time. AMAZING!

Sebastian was fascinated by the hospital room and didn't even care when he had to leave (and I had never left him before that night). Like Sandra suggested, have a gift for him, it will make parting easier since they will care more about the toy than anyhing else.

I am having my c-section at 5:30pm and the kids will be brought it as soon as Eric calls them to tell them to head over. I want them to be amongst the first to meet the baby. I also have gifts for both of them.

Check about visiting hours, they might totally different for siblings and such. I know at BRCH they can come whenever they want.

Albah

I also feel the same way as you do....i'm more concerned about big brother's reaction than L&D. lol We plan on having him come to visit us at the hospital; I could not imagine 1)not seeing him for 2 days 2)not meeting his brother immediately. So my mom will be taking care of him but bringing him! And I think the gift idea is nice but I particularly like the idea of spending alone time with the big sibling without baby and others in the room.

melly&jimmy

Eli came to the hospital to meet his little sister Chelsea and when Benji was born both E&C welcomed him as well.  It is such a great experience.  I will never forget Eli's face when he first met his baby sis.  At first, he was hesitant, just watched her from a distance, then when I took her out of the crib - he came in a little closer, and then finally hopped unto my bed and could not get enough of her.  With Benji - he immediately approached the baby and well being that Chelsea is still a baby herself - wanted to carry him! 

IMO - this is a moment you don't want to miss.  We also gave each child a gift from the new baby so they would not feel left out w/ everyone buying the new baby gifts.  Baptist and South Miami hospitals sell "I'm a big sister/brother" tshirts in the gift shop.  They day after Benji was born - both E&C wore their shirts to school and then to visit us in the hospital.

They didn't get too upset when it was time to go.  Chelsea did a little but we distracted her with a balloon!

NatandRick

We also had Mateo come to the hospital to visit and it was a beautiful experience!  He was so excited to see his new brother!  We let him carry him and he just stared at him and kept saying his name...I guess he was putting together this "Lucas" person we've been talking about for months was now in his arms   I was worried also that it would be hard for him to leave, but it went much smoother than we expected.

Snshine

It sounds like everyone has the same great advice!  Noah came to the hospital.  He was more interested in the buttons on my bed, and gave me quite a ride, but he met the baby, got the gift the baby brought him, we spent some time with him, then he left without a fuss.  It wasn't a big deal and when we came home with the baby he wasn't shocked.

MellyMelB

I this post and its responses. VERY HELPFUL!

allison8878

Thank you all for your responses and advice! I shared them with DH last night and we decided to have my in-laws bring Quinn during the lunchtime visitation on the day after I have the baby. The baby is going to give him a present and we'll give him a special big brother shirt to wear. Fingers crossed that it goes well ;-)