Siblings
Older siblings learn about sharing, life-long love and friendship.
For many, the thought of having a second child can be overwhelming. There may be fears about being disloyal to your first child and unable to love another child in the same way.
Rest assured, a new sibling adds to the growth and development of the whole family. The firstborn learns about sharing, lifelong love and friendship. You cannot be sure about how your firstborn will react, but your attitude and way of handling the situation can influence the development of family bonds.
Depending on your child’s age, start preparing the sibling for the new baby during your pregnancy. Books are an extremely useful medium. The older the child, the earlier you can begin. Talk to the sibling about being separated from you while you are in hospital. Make sure that the temporary caregiver is supportive and caring, and encourage a relationship of trust and familiarity.
Life will never be the same again for the whole family. The constant demands of a young baby and the attention a new baby receives, can be shattering to an older child. Regression is a common reaction. You need to exercise a lot of patience and understanding during this time. Remember, adjusting to a new baby is one of life’s normal growing experiences for all members of the family.
Checklist - maternity ward suitcase
*Check whether the maternity ward has a list of the items you will need.
Items for hospital stay
5 mins to read
Medication for pain relief
In a normal, uncomplicated labour and delivery, the use of medication is not always necessary. Your own resources are often enough.
5 mins to read
Labour
As labour starts, a mother’s mood changes and she becomes less aware of what is happening outside her body, and more aware of what is happening inside her body.
5 mins to read
Food choices for a healthy pregnancy
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5 mins to read
Checklist - preparing to bring baby home
Clothing
5 mins to read
Signs of labour
The following signs of labour may occur in any order.
1. Progressive contractions
5 mins to read
The last few weeks of pregnancy
The uterus
5 mins to read
Tips to budget for baby
There are many factors to consider before dedicating yourself to raising and budgeting a child for the next 18 years or more.
5 mins to read
First visit
A detailed medical history, of you and your partner, will be recorded at your first prenatal visit.
2 mins to read
Pregnancy concerns and diet solutions
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4 mins to read
Multiple births
Regular prenatal care is most important if you are carrying more than one baby, as the risk to you and your babies is higher.
1 min to read
Prenatal Care
Discuss questions or concerns you or your partner may have with your caregiver at any stage of your pregnancy.
5 mins to read
Preparation for childbirth and parenthood
The experience of childbirth and parenthood is an unknown adventure, which results in major changes to your life.
1 min to read
The First Month of Pregnancy
Your pregnancy: weeks 1-4 – the start of your first trimester. The first signs of pregnancy may be very visible… or not at all.
2 mins to read
Subsequent prenatal visits
Your health, and the growth and development of your baby, must be closely monitored.
1 min to read
Birth plans
A birth plan or wish list is not a set of commands and demands, and certainly not a contract.
5 mins to read
The first stage of labour
During the first stage, also known as the dilation stage, your cervix will dilate and efface from 0–10 cm.
5 mins to read
