The Beauty of Sibling Involvement

When we invite children to participate in prenatal visits, we're not just accommodating families—we're creating opportunities for bonding that begin long before birth.

The look of amazement when a 4-year-old first hears their sibling's heartbeat through the doppler, or the gentle way a toddler wants to "help" measure mama's belly, reminds us why family-centered care is so important.

Preparing Children for Visits

We encourage parents to:

- Explain what will happen in age-appropriate terms

- Bring comfort items or quiet activities if needed

- Set realistic expectations about behavior and participation

- Prepare for questions and honest conversations

Creating Engaging Experiences

- Ultrasound viewing: Children love seeing their sibling move and wave on screen

- Heartbeat listening: Using child-friendly explanations like "baby's heart sounds like a galloping horse"

- Measurement assistance: Letting them help hold the measuring tape or observe fundal height checks

- Educational materials: Child-friendly books, charts, or models that explain pregnancy and birth

Benefits We've Observed

For the Child

- Reduced anxiety about mama's changing body and medical visits

- Increased excitement about becoming a big sibling

- Better understanding of pregnancy as a natural, healthy process

- Stronger family bonds through shared experiences

For Parents

- Easier logistics when childcare isn't available

- Opportunity to address children's questions in a supportive environment

- Witnessing beautiful moments of sibling connection

- Modeling healthy attitudes toward healthcare and pregnancy

For Our Practice

- Deeper family relationships and trust

- More comprehensive care that considers whole family dynamics

We cannot wait to meet the big brothers and sisters in your family!

#siblingsatbirth

#familycenteredcare