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Monday, 12 May 2008 |
By MARY BARGDILL
Staff Writer
ST. MARYS — Youngsters not sure what to expect when their baby brother or sister arrive home from the hospital learned a few tips during a sibling class held Saturday morning at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital in St. Marys.
Licensed Practical Nurse Marlene Rutschilling, who has been instructing the class for more than a decade, said the class is beneficial to parents and soon-to-be older siblings. The session could arm both with the necessary tools to handle the arrival of a newborn.
“We talk about babies,” Rutschilling said. “How they’re going to be a big brother or sister, and how they’re still going to be special.”
The children received hands-on experience holding life size dolls and watched as they were diapered, dressed, and wrapped in a receiving blanket.
“We suggest they never pick up the baby by themselves,” Rutschilling said.
She also advised the children to keep small objects, such as toys, away from babies to avoid any potential choking incidents. Rutschilling talked to the youngsters about how helpless infants are when they come home.
“Babies can’t eat anything but milk at first,” Rutschilling said. “They can’t walk and they can’t talk, so they cry — sometimes a lot.
Rutschilling also explained the children’s parents would have to make a trip to the hospital when it was time to deliver the baby.
“You might have to stay with your grandmother or your babysitter,” she said.
Michael and Heidi Siebenaler, of New Bremen, enrolled their daughter, Mia, 2, in the class to help prepare her for the big day when she would have little sibling.
“We just wanted to help her get used to the baby coming,” Siebenaler said. “And for her to get used to the hospital setting for when she comes to visit.”
New Knoxville residents Ryan and Jenny Miltner brought their daughter Jessica, 3, to the sibling class to get Jessica excited about the arrival of a new sibling and to learn some safety lessons.
The children then took a tour of the maternity ward where they had a chance to peek into the nursery. They also watched a video guide for new brothers and sisters and were given a safety guide coloring and activity book.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 15 May 2008 )
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