preparing older sibling

[porcelina]

DS (2.5) is super-sensitive -- he gets upset when the midwife touches me, he wailed when I got an ultrasound and had to be removed from the room, and also cried when a doctor looked in my throat and ears to diagnose an ear infection. He even gets upset when I take a shower and get my hair wet (!). Needless to say, I do not plan on having him with me during the birth. However, I'd like to do my best to prepare him for what's going to be happening, and how things will change when the baby is here.

Does anyone know any links to tame youtube videos of birth that show a mom birthing that would be appropriate? Or animals for that matter?

Also, what are your favorite books on becoming a big brother/sister? I plan to get a bunch from the library.

Thanks!

[lillymonster]

I asked this question, and got some suggestions for Dr Sears books and have read those to DD.

I am not even approaching showing videos or explaining anything unless DD asks. She is a little over 3, and I just don't think she will take it well. I am going to explain that I might make noises, but I am not hurt, etc, but I just don't want her to stress for the next few months, which she will, she gets like anxiety issues already and worries about other kids who are hurt she doesn't even know. She has never had an interest in babies like other kids though, so I am just more following her lead. If she asks how baby gets in my belly, or something like that, I'll explain it.

[Cujobunny]

This is a list of books from LLL that show breastfeeding but many are awesome for introducing new babies to the family.

We loved "We Have a Baby" by Catherine Falwell. It really shows the whole family's involvement and that mum still has time and space for the older sibling.

My kids also loved "The New Baby" by Mercer Mayer (the Little Critter series), in a way it was good because it showed the older sibling getting frustrated trying to play with the baby but learning things that he can do with her. I wasn't crazy about it because it showed only the mom caring for the baby and the baby lying in the crib with a bottle, but whatever, they're monsters or something anyway