Maternity Nursing: Postpartum Q 49
Parents can facilitate the adjustment of their other children to a new baby by:
A. Having the children choose or make a gift to give to the new baby upon its arrival home.
B. Emphasizing activities that keep the new baby and other children together.
C. Having the mother carry the new baby into the home so she can show the other children the new baby.
D. Reducing stress on other children by limiting their involvement in the care of the new baby.
Correct Answer: A. Having the children choose or make a gift to give to the new baby upon its arrival home.
Regardless of the older child’s age, make sure that he or she gets individual attention when the new baby arrives. If you’re taking pictures or videos, include the older child. Take pictures or videos of him or her alone, too. Consider having a few small gifts on hand to give to your older child in case friends visit with gifts for the new baby.
Option B: Special time should be set aside just for the other children without interruption from the newborn. Spend regular one-on-one time together. Try to give the toddler a bit of undivided attention, even if it’s just 10 to 20 minutes a day. One way to accomplish this more easily is to wear the newborn in a sling, which gives the mother two free hands to play a game with the older child. And have the older child cuddle while you’re nursing.
Option C: Someone other than the mother should carry the baby into the home so she can give full attention to greeting her other children. Acknowledge the child’s feelings. Know that the little one may express negative feelings or act out, and don’t scold. Instead say, “Being a big sibling can be hard. Sometimes you will feel sad or mad or do things you don’t mean to do and that’s OK. We will always love you and want to help you feel better.”
Option D: Children should be actively involved in the care of the baby according to their ability without overwhelming them. Ask for help with baby-related tasks. Ask the child to put diapers on the shelf next to the changing table or fetch blankets or bottles for the baby. Once the mother feels he’s ready, the older child can even help burp, bathe and dress the new baby. No doubt he will feel proud to be given some new responsibilities.