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Two Under 2
Hospital changed visitor policy due to flu
And now DS won't be able to visit me in the hospital! My hubby says its fine b/c he wouldn't want Brice to see me laid up (I'm having another c-section) but I'm a little sad. 1) It'll be the longest I'll ever go without seeing Brice and 2) I was psyched about introducing him to his little sister. Did anyone wait until they came hope from the hospital to introduce DC 1 to DC 2?
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Re: Hospital changed visitor policy due to flu
We did not wait, but honestly, every time DS was there it was a little stressful for me. He came up the day I had DD, several hours after she was born, and he was freaked out to see me in bed, all the "tubes" coming out of me (I had a c-sec too) and not being able to get up. It was not the picture perfect meeting of his little sister I had visioned. Then he came up each afternoon for an hour or two and being 19 mos old, he didn't like to sit still and needed to be entertained. We would take him for walks around the hospital, let him color, let him push buttons on my bed... and it was exhausting. I was really afraid that he would freak out and cry for us when he left, but thankfully he loves my sister and gladly left with her each evening.
Without that policy in place I would not change a thing, just b/c I would feel guilty making the decision to not have him come up, but since you have that restriction, don't fret over it. Try to get as much rest as you can while people are taking care of you and your newborn sleeps (I totally forgot how much they sleep in the hospital!!!). Save up all the energy you can for when you come home!
We waited and honestly it never occurred to me to bring DS to the hospital. I just don't see how in any way it would help, it seems like it would just be more stressful on everyone involved.
DS stayed with my brother and SIL and we picked him up the day I got out of the hospital. He had a totally normal reaction to DD - he completely ignored her at first and then became interested and now he is so cute and great with her.
DS 3.12.08
DD 7.11.09
DD 8.01.13
We just went through this and was in the same position as you. The hospital changed its policy 2 week prior to my birth, I was beyond upset. I only had 2 weeks to deal with my feelings and come up with a new plan. I signed myself out after one night in the hospital (I know you won't be able to do this with a c-section). DH went home the night I stayed in the hospital to do bedtime routine and sleep at the house with DD. DD met her sister at home.
I'm sad that everyone got to meet the baby before her own sister did. I know they won't remember it but I will. I dealt with the same feelings you are. We tried to make the best out of the situation but it wasn't what I had planned so it was disappointing to me. I started missing DD while I was in Labor, seriously.
I had a friend bring cupcakes and balloons to the hospital, plus I already had presents from the baby to DD. I had DH stay in the car with the baby for 5 minutes so I could have a little alone time with DD. With the balloons, cupcakes and presents, its was like a Welcome Home Party. They met and everything was fine and she didn't feel betrayed with DH bringing in the baby. GL!
Our hospital tightened it's visitation policy as well. I don't want to be away from DS for 3 days but it is what it is. It might actually work out for the better. Hospitals are germ-y & there's no way he's going to quietly sit still for very long. He's into everything. I wouldn't want him playing with equipment or rolling all over the floors.
Also, if he sees me at the hospital & has to leave without me it could cause a meltdown/tantrum. I like the pp idea about having a coming home party & some alone time with him before bringing the baby into the house.
i jsut had DD2 a couple weeks ago and our hospital has the same policy. Only 2 visitors (has to be the same 2 people) and NO one under 18 including siblings.
It was sad being away from my DD1 for 3 days but... The thoughts before hand thinking about her not being there were worse than during the time I was there. I actually had time to relax and start healing.. and bond with DD2. I was looking forward to the "big introduction" and sweet pictures at the hospital but in the end it was probably for the better since DD1 is so young and probably would have pulle dout my IVs and jumped on my belly!
Good Luck.. .and have an "I'm the older sibling" party planned for when you get home.
Three Girls: Bits 2/08 Biscuit 10/09 & Sweet Chuck 2/12
One Favorite son: Suishy Smalls 6/14
And another Princess coming 7/16