Preparing First Child For Second Pregnancy

Prenatal

oi-Anwesha Barari

By Anwesha Barari

Tuesday, August 16, 2011, 18:25

The second child pregnancy is inherently different from the first one. In some aspects second baby pregnancy is much easier than the first one. You already know what to expect and are mentally prepared for the discomforts. But in one regard the second child pregnancy is much more difficult than the first; preparing the first child for the second pregnancy. This is a massive responsibility for both parents and an integral part of prenatal care.

There are certain very critical issues that arise during the pregnancy with the second child with respect to the first one. Let us take a look at what they are and how to with them.

How to Prepare For Second Child Pregnancy?

1. Inform the First Child:

• Your first child must learn from you and not anyone else about the impending possibility of having a sibling.

• You have to let the child know at a good time, when you are playing with him/her or the child is in a good mood.

• There may be some initial shock on being given this news but you have to deal with that tactfully.

• Remember that just like you need to prepare mentally for second baby pregnancy, your first child also needs mental preparation.

• Your child will observe all your physical and mental changes during pregnancy and want to know the reason. So there is no point in keeping secrets from the child.

2. Nurture relationship between the your first child and the expected child:

• This is very important because the child needs to understand that the new baby is related to him/her in order to accept it.

• You can do this by firstly keeping a fictitious name for the unborn child during the prenatal care period that you can later use as a pet name.

• Make your first child talk to the unborn baby during second baby pregnancy. This will help them bond.

• When the baby is finally born your first child will already be acquainted to the new baby.

• Tell your first born what are his/her responsibilities and privileges as the elder sibling so that they are in a better position to understand this change of family dynamics.

3. Dealing with jealousy:

• Firstly, you need to understand that jealousy is normal and there is no need to panic.

• Your first child has so long been the sole recipient of your attention but now there will be a division in that. There is bound to be some heart burn.

• In your pregnant condition you won't be able to actively play with the child like you did. For instance it is not advisable to lift the child during advanced stages. This too will lead to anger for the child.

• Tell the child that the new baby is as much a part of him/her as it is a part of you.

• Explain how they will have a wonderful playmate in their sibling and never need any other company.

Plan your second child pregnancy well by conditioning your first child for the new baby.