When preparing for the arrival of your baby there are many things to think about. One thing you will have to consider is how to entertain siblings during a home birth, if you have older children. Having been through this scenario four times let me share with you what has worked for us. The ideas I have listed below are geared toward siblings that are under 10 years old. Older siblings are usually more self-sufficient and helpful with younger siblings during this process. Since our teenage daughters live full time with their mom, they have never been present for the home births of their younger siblings. Relying on their help to entertain siblings during a home birth has not been an option for us.
Ask Grandparents for Help
With the birth of Baby #3 and #4 we were fortunate to have the help of Grandparents. When labor began with Baby #3 my parents were already in town visiting. During my six hours of labor, they handled the daily flow that our then 3- and 1-year old were used to. They took them outside to play and go on a walk. Played, colored, fixed them dinner, etc. Because of my parents’ help my husband, Sam, was able to stay by my side during labor and delivery. Once Baby Luc and I had been cleaned up and our bedroom back in order Olivia, Wyatt, and my parents came in and meet our newest baby boy.
When labor began with Baby #4 Sam called his parents to come collect our two oldest kids. They lived nearby and were able to quickly come over and pick the kids up for a sleepover. Our youngest, Luc, had just turned 13 months old and wasn’t ready for a night away from Dad or Mom. While we waited for Baby #4 to arrive, Sam was able to care for Luc in between my contractions.
Call a Babysitter OR Friend to Help Entertain Siblings During a Home Birth
If you have a babysitter or friends close by this is another great way to help entertain siblings during a home birth. When Baby #5 was born, the babysitter we used lived one street over from us so after the birth Sam asked if she could stop by. He wanted her to play with the kids while he helped the Midwife attend to the baby and my needs. Sam then fixed lunch for me and the kids, and even got them down for nap before our babysitter left. This babysitter was a huge blessing to our family over the years we lived in Tennessee. We were so grateful for her help that day!
Stick with Your Daily Routine to Pass the Time
Labor is very unpredictable, and you never know how long it may take for the baby to arrive. Just going with the usual flow of your day may be an easy way to entertain siblings during a home birth, and help the time pass quickly. Drop the kids off to school. Complete schoolwork if you homeschool. Let them play outside or inside. Get any tasks or chores done if you are able. Maybe labor and delivery happen in the middle of the night like mine with Baby #4. So, if your kids are already asleep leave them be. What a fun surprise to wake up to a new sibling!
Purchase New Toys to Entertain Siblings During a Home Birth
When anticipating the arrival Baby #5 I was slightly concerned about how my husband would handle it. I knew I would want Sam there to hold my hand during contractions, but he would also need to care for our 6-, 4-, 3-, and 2-year-old. Thankfully our 6-year-old daughter, Olivia, helped with her younger brothers while Sam supported me during contractions.
My labor began early in the morning. By the time the kids got up things were progressing, and the Midwife was on the way. Sam went about the typical morning routine with the kids that they were accustomed to. Wake up and play. Eat breakfast. The only difference was being told baby brother was going to be born at some point.
I tried to labor as much as I could around the kids until things got intense. Then I went into the bedroom. After breakfast Sam pulled out a few new toys we had on hand. We purchased them for Olivia and the boys to play with while they waited. Because they were entertained with new toys, Sam was then able to go back and forth between caring for the kids and checking on me while labor progressed.
Use Screen Time to Entertain Siblings
When all else fails there is screen time to help entertain siblings during a home birth. Our family currently limits screen time during the week and allows a family movie on the weekends. You also will not find any Ipads, kids tech toys, or the like in our house. However, when I was expecting Baby #2 a little screen time in the morning came in handy!
Thankfully things with Baby #2 progressed quickly. My husband only turned on the television for our then 2-year-old daughter when I started pushing. Olivia happily watched a few episodes of Sherriff Callie until she was able to meet her new baby brother. Then Sam and her headed off to pick us up Chick-fil-a for lunch before the Midwife had to leave.
Have any Tips to Share?
If you have any tips or tricks that would help entertain siblings during a home birth, please share in the comments below. I am sure expectant moms would appreciate the ideas! Or if you are interested to read about the births of our five children read about them on our Home Birth Page.
Leave a Reply