Books to help prepare a toddler for a homebirth

[earth-mama]

Hi-  I just found out I am pregnant with our second (I'm about 4 weeks right now).  We did a homebirth with DD (DD is 22 months right now and will be about 2.5 when this babe is born) and are planning a homebirth for this babe too.  I am interested in finding some picture books that I could read to DD about homebirth and preparing for the arrival of a new baby.  I have thought about making my own book, I might still do this, but would like to purchase one or two that are good.

Please let me know of any that you like.

[vtamanda]

Dr Sears has a good one called What Baby Needs".  It isn't about the birth at all, but it does cover breastfeeding, skin to skin contact, co-sleeping and things of that nature.  It also goes into feelings of jealousy, which was very important for us to be able to give DD the words to cover her emotions on this front.  All in all, a good book, well thoughtout and DD likes it.  SHe's a bit older than yours, will be 3 and 3 months when baby arrives.

[MnMtm]

Hello Baby by Jenni Overend is supposed to be a good one. I was considering buying it for my 2.5 yo son, but ultimately decided that I'm going to have him be at grandma and grandpa's during the homebirth. I just know that, for me, I would find it really difficult to try to take care of my son during labor and delivery, and even if there was someone else there, he would always want me. We ended up buying What Baby Needs which focuses on life with a new baby after the birth. If you plan on having your kids there during the birth, though, I would definitely recommend Hello Baby.

[SusannahM]

If you can find a copy of Welcome with Love, it is wonderful.  The used copies of it are expensive, though, and it's out of print.  I think the best bet for finding a copy would be asking local midwives/doulas if they have a copy you can borrow.

[MnMtm]

Welcome with Love is also by Jenni Overend. I wonder if they are similar.

[SusannahM]

Originally Posted by MnMtm 

Welcome with Love is also by Jenni Overend. I wonder if they are similar.

I was trying to see some pics from Hello Baby to see.  I looked it up on Google images: http://www.google.com/images?q=jenni+overend+hello+baby&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1440&bih=781

The covers are exactly the same :) .  So, yes, I'm sure they're very similar!

ETA: Did some more searching, and they are the same book.

[First Time Mama]

 Welcome with Love and Hello Baby are the same book. I borrowed it from my midwives and have read it to DS, who is 3 years. I am planning to have my MIL come and take DS when labor gets active, as our house is so small I feel like it would feel intrusive to me to have him here and distract me. I am hoping once the baby's born they can return with him and he can meet sibling shortly after birth. What baby needs sounds like a good one, maybe I should look into getting that. We have talked about all that with him and tried to explain what caring for a baby is like, but I am still a bit nervous about how he will adjust to being a big brother.

[earth-mama]

Thanks everyone!

I found Hello Baby online and ordered it.  I can't wait for it to get here.

[thebeljur]

There is also We're Having a Homebirth by Kelly Mochel: http://www.homebirthchildrensbook.com/.