When I have baby #2 I will have a c-section again. So I'll be in the hospital about 3-4 nights. I'm with my child (baby #1) everyday, all day, I'm a stay at home mom. She'll be a little over two and I don't know how she'll do without me for that long. I'm really concerned about it. Does anyone have any advice from personal experience that could help me? Thanks!
2007-10-22 14:57:00 · 6 answers · asked by Carrie 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
When I went to the hospital for my second c-section it was the first time I'd been away overnight from my son. He was older than yours at almost 3.5 years old so we were able to talk and plan about it beforehand. We made it into a real adventure for him because he got to go stay in a hotel (which he loves to do) with his grandma and grandpa. If your daughter does better at home then it would probably be best to find someone who can come stay with her at your house so she'll have her familiar bed. Maybe Dad could even go home at night to sleep rather than staying at the hospital.
With any luck you won't need to be in the hospital that long. Because my second c-section was scheduled I was able to do it first thing in the morning. I ended up going home from the hospital 48 hours after the baby was born and spent only 2 nights in the hospital.
2007-10-22 16:03:00 · answer #1 · answered by Heather Y 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I too just had my second child by C-section and my first is about 2. We tried to talk to my first child, but I don't think she really got the concept. She knew there was a baby, but didn't seem to understand.
I am not a SAHM so fortunately I was able to keep somewhat her routine by sending her to day care the day of my c-section. My husband then brought her over to the hospital every day until I got home so she could see I had a "big ouch" and that she had a new sister.
Since your child has not been away from you for very long, I would recommend having your intended caregiver - family or otherwise - to come over every day for a few days before your c-section so she gets into a routine. That way, she won't have too much of her routine upset when you are gone. Also, she will get used to the new person. Hopefully you can find a family member that she already knows and therefore it will be a treat.
I had my folks over AFTER the surgery. That is even more important to consider. Toddlers are pretty resilient, but the big change is when you get home. She is used to having all your attention, but not only will she won't anymore, you won't be able to get up and play with her for a few weeks. Therefore inviting family over who can play with her is an absolute must! She thinks they are there to visit her and will be happy with them while you recover.
2007-10-22 22:29:25 · answer #2 · answered by Tats 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just had my second child by c-section as well. I too am a stay at home mom of a 15 month old. We had his great gramma watch him well i was in the hospital, and she brought him too see me and his new sister everyday. Since your child is older she maybe able to stay with you. Some hospitals are very family friendly and will help to ensure that your family is really involved in the birth. Congrates and Best Of Luck!
2007-10-22 22:12:26 · answer #3 · answered by Kellie R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i will be in that same situation im 12 weeks pg due in may and my daughter will only be 17 months i didnt have a c-section and hopefully wont have one now but i had to stay in the hospital for 4 days as well because i am gbs positive and will probably have to stay that long again , im just going to have my mom watch my daughter and have her bring her to the hospital and if i can have her spend the day there with us then go home with grandma at night
2007-10-22 22:26:40 · answer #4 · answered by nattiesmommy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Between now and when you are scheduled for the c-section, talk to your daughter. Invite her caregiver over to the house for her to get to know, or visit them, if your daughter will be staying with them.
Maybe have a "practice" overnight, where the caregiver stays with you, or you sleep over at their house, together. Help your daughter to be comfortable away from you, by having her stay for short periods with her planned caregiver.
Also, check with the hospital. Many postpartum units will allow siblings to visit, and if you wish she can be brought to the hospital to see you, and meet her new brother or sister.
2007-10-22 22:08:07 · answer #5 · answered by mommy2squee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
TALK TALK TALK tell her what is going to happen you may think she does not get it but talk in her terms. And let her come to visit once a day if possible. when I had my first 2 the are only 360 days apart and then my next one was a year and 1/2 later and it is just talking to them and telling them you are going to miss them dearly and that your love will only grow for them. Now I just had baby #4 and well all they wanted to know was please mommy make it a girl we have enough boys. Good luck and God bless.
2007-10-22 22:15:28 · answer #6 · answered by almartinezx5 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋