Share The Love {A Birth Circle Topic}

Sibling Bonding

A lot of parents are nervous for the arrival of a new baby. They wonder how their toddlers will adjust and how they will adjust. One option is to hire a postpartum doula; she comes in to "mother the mother". A postpartum doula brings the support you need to cherish your children, nurture yourself, and perhaps allow you 40 days of rest. She helps with small tasks around the home, assists with older siblings, family bonding, and more, all while helping your incorporate the parenting style you desire into your growing family.

Sibling bonding is an essential part of introducing a new baby into your home. So how can we best facilitate a stronger bond between our toddlers and newborn? 

Take off that hat!

Introducing a new baby into the family begins with pregnancy and is carried on after the birth with language - "Our Baby". Using terminology that includes your toddler, even giving him some stake, creates a bond of caring and protectiveness and can subdue the jealousy factor immensely. 

Including your toddler while nursing is also a great way to form bonding, including using sticker charts - let them give you a star each time your nurse! Or change the baby's socks. I loved to place a pair of socks at the other end of the room and play Red Light, Green Light with my tyke while I nursed; and when he got to the socks, he brought them over, played This Little Piggy on his brother, and put the socks on him. 

For other great activities, check out -

The Nursling and The Tyke

Don't forget to address factors such as how long/if your toddler is weaned. If your toddler has not been away from the breast for long, she may desire to reestablish that connection with you once the baby is born. The La Leche League can offer great support for tandem nursing and is also a great place to allow your toddler to see babies nursing. This is helpful for all toddlers, whether they need to see it and gain understanding of what to expect or whether the experience may allow them to understand that your breasts are not only for them but that 'all' babies nurse.

Other Birth Circle Topics:

• Fertility Awareness
• Meet The Photog
• What's A Birth Circle
• Frequently Un-Asked Questions
• Childbirth In Pop Culture
• Nutrition in Pregnancy
• Essential Oils
• Homeoprophylaxis   
• Birth Stories