Jealousy from the sibling

Older siblings can get jealous of a new baby since a new baby in the house requires so much attention. The older sibling can also get confused and not understand what breastfeeding is about. It’s best to prepare the older child for the new baby before the baby comes home. Let them see a baby nursing by showing them a video or by looking at breastfeeding pictures in a book or magazine. Explain to them how breastfeeding works and why it’s so important for their new brother or sister to be fed milk this way. Let them also help you get ready for the new baby by joining in on shopping and preparing the baby’s room.

When the baby is born, don’t feel like your older children shouldn’t be around to watch while you’re breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is a natural part of life and your child should be able to watch. While they are watching you can explain to them that this is how they were fed and taken care of when they were small.  One breastfeeding mother suggests, "Ask the older sibling if they would want to try breastfeeding too.  Usually it is only a brief test, since the older sibling will not like the taste, will have forgotten how to suckle, and is just checking to see if mom means it when she says she will always love them best.  Offering an alternative that only mom and older child can do together will soon distract them.  You could also take your older sibling to visit a nursing mother (a friend, etc.) so that the older child sees a real person nursing a real baby.  It's also a good idea to read books about babies/nursing with your older child a couple of months before the due date.  A few suggestions are (We Have A Baby by Cathryn Falwell & I'm a Big Brother/ I'm a Big Sister by Joanna Cole)."

You should also let the older child take part in diapering, getting powder or ointments for you and generally let them be a part of the new baby’s day-to-day routine. This will help them adjust better to the new little one in the house. As a final note, make time to be alone with the older child and keep this time together special and fun.