Each time I prepare to welcome a new child into my life has felt different. When I was expecting my first child 6 years ago, I was overwhelmingly excited and I went full steam ahead planning for what I’d need for baby – furniture, diapers, clothing, etc.
When you think about what’s needed when baby arrives, do you think of your own needs? Or do you find yourself mostly planning for the essential baby items? When I was pregnant with my first, I barely thought about what I would need in those days after he was born.
Last week we shared Christina’s story about her unexpected struggle with postpartum anxiety. I had the opportunity to meet her at a local group for expecting moms and, as I spoke with her, I was struck by how blindsided she was by her symptoms. She knew nothing about the possibility of developing anxiety during the postpartum period.
One of the greatest challenges I support families with is integrating a baby into a family that already has at least one child. The experience for that child or children is one that often rocks their world and so many parents are left wondering how to help support their child through the transition. While my experience won’t be exactly like yours, I want to share it here to remind you that you’re not alone if your child is struggling with the adjustment to a new sibling.