PACHS News Room
Sibling Class for Families Preparing for a New Baby
Expecting a baby? If it is not your first baby, you already know how many changes can happen in one household as a new member joins the family. And children have many questions and concerns about these changes and about becoming a new "big brother" or "big sister". Because children are a special part of the family, they now have their own class to help them feel good about their new role.
Palo Alto County Health System (PACHS) will be offering a Sibling Class designed to prepare children ages 3 to 9 years of age for the arrival of a new brother or sister. Parents and children attend the class together and review infant safety, appropriate toys and play, feeding, swaddling and diapering. Information is designed to promote family bonding and decrease anxiety in children who may feel threatened by a new baby. Each child will make a special gift for their expected brother or sister and receive a storybook to take home. This class is a special experience for the whole family and parents may want to bring a camera or video camera. The children will also get to tour the OB department.
"This will be a fun, interactive class for siblings, " commented Roberta Anderson, RN, Siblings class facilitator. "It is an opportunity for parents and children to learn about what to expect when the baby arrives."
Each child is asked to bring a baby doll or teddy bear to the class for instruction. The class is open to any families that are expecting a new baby, but for those delivering at Palo Alto County Hospital there is no fee to attend. To find out when the next class meets or to sign up for the class, please call 712.852.5419.