Childbirth Education Programs | Siblings | Shaken Baby Education Programs | Resources for New Parents

The arrival of a new baby is a happy event. However, older children in the family may show mixed feelings about their new brother or sister. These children may feel they have to compete with the demanding newcomer. This is sibling rivalry.

Some children, particularly very small children may show behavior changes and begin to make additional demands on you. They may want you to treat them like a baby, ask for a bottle, wet their pants or suck their thumb. Be patient and remind them of all they can do because they are a "Big Kid." Reassure them of your love, spend extra time together, and do not punish them for their feelings. Remember, jealousy is a normal feeling! Do not leave small children (especially those under age three) alone with the baby. Allow them plenty of time under your watchful eye to get to know the new baby.

Tips for Helping "Big Kids" Adjust To A New Baby

1. Give older children information for their age group about childbirth.
2. Be in tune to children's readiness for learning about reproduction and use proper terms when referring to body parts.
3. Read books with children about a new baby in the house and talk about feelings that come up in the stories.
4. Read books with children about reproduction and birth. Use local libraries and book stores as references.
5. Teach children a lullaby to sing to the new baby.

Coming Home From The Hospital

1. When you arrive home, have someone else carry the baby into the house. This will allow you to greet your other children.
2. Spend some time alone with other children after you arrive home.
3. If someone offers help to you, have them do a chore or errand so you may spend time with the older children.
4. Tape a note on the front door that says, "Come in and let 'Kayla' show you her new baby brother!" This focuses attention on the older child, gives her a sense of pride in what she has to show.
5. Make feeding time a story time for the toddler.
6. Try to keep the older child's routine as normal as possible.

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a severe form of head injury that occurs when a baby is shaken violently enough to injure the baby's brain. It usually happens when someone shakes a baby out of anger or frustration, often because the baby will not stop crying.

Crying is a baby's only way to communicate. A baby may cry because of hunger, the need to suck, pain, colic or the need for comfort or rest. Losing control, even for a moment, and shaking a baby can cause severe brain damage, paralysis, retardation and even death.

At The Birthplace, all new parents watch an 11-minute video while they are in the hospital following the birth of their baby. The video shows how shaking a baby can result in brain and spinal cord damage, blindness and sometimes death. Parents also receive an educational packet on SBS. Since SBS usually occurs when a parent or caregiver becomes upset and frustrated by an infant's crying the information suggests ways parents can calm themselves such as taking deep breaths or going into another room and allowing the baby to cry alone for a short period of time.

Shaken Baby Syndrome is one of the most violent forms of child abuse seriously injuring and often killing many children each year. It is of special concern in central Pennsylvania since there have been over 100 cases of SBS in this part of the state since 1996. This is an average of 16 SBS cases per year, far above the national average. Educational programs such as the one in use at The Birthplace are expected to help dramatically reduce the incidence of SBS.

American Academy of Pediatrics
1801 Hinston Avenue, Evanston, IL 60204
This medical organization compiles information on safety, immunizations, and healthcare for children. Send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to receive information. 1-800-433-9016 or www.aap.org.

American Red Cross
320 East Third Street, Williamsport, PA 17701
570-326-9131 or www.redcross.org
In addition to information on first aid, this organization also provides information on family living.

Breast Health Center
Susquehanna Health
1705 Warren Ave, Williamsport, PA 17701
570-326-8200
A conveniently located place where you can go for a comprehensive diagnosis, quickly and simply, without waiting and wondering.

Breastfeeding Support
Certified Lactation Consultants
Susquehanna Health
570-321-2095
Breastfeeding assistance. In an emergency, call your doctor or take your baby to the emergency room.

The Cesarean Birth Association
125 North 12th Street New Hyde Park, NY 10040
A nonprofit association committed to improving the Cesarean birth experience.

Cherished Memories
Baby Photo Service
Box 460, 459 Franklin Avenue
Aliquippa, PA 15001
1-800-245-6518

C/Sec., Inc.
Cesarean/Support Education Concern
22 Forest Road Framingham, MA 01701
This nonprofit organization is committed to improving the Cesarean birth experience.

Commonwealth Of PA Department of Vital Statistics
Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103
1-800-323-9613
You may contact this department if you need to make a change of your baby's name or have a question about your baby's birth certificate. You may also call The Birthplace™ at 570-321-2069.

Department for Domestic Relations
48 W. Third Street, Williamsport, PA 17701
570-327-2395
Domestic Relations can establish paternity for children born out of wedlock and child support orders for children of divorced or separated parents.

Family Center For Reproductive Health
777 Rural Avenue, Williamsport, PA 17701
570-321-3131
The Center provides family planning information and services, pregnancy testing, genetic screening prenatal care, and parenting classes.

Healthy Beginnings Plus: Prenatal Clinics
777 Rural Avenue, Williamsport PA 17701
Tue., Wed., Thur., 321-2001
Allows women to receive the prenatal care they need as well as support after the birth of their baby.

La Leche League International
9613 Minneapolis Avenue, Franklin Park, IL 60131
1-800-LALECHE
An organization that promotes information and assistance to breast-feeding mothers. They also offer a free information catalog on breast-feeding and parenting. For information on local meetings call Amy at 570-494-0850
www.lalecheleague.org

Life Center™
Lycoming Mall, Muncy, PA 17756
570-546-6000
Baby Weigh Station, Educational Brochures

Lock Haven State Health Center
Corner of Church and Jay Streets, Lock Haven, PA 17745
570-893-2437
Provides information on the health needs of children.

National Organization Of Mothers Of Twins Club
5402 Amberwood Lane, Rockville, MD 20853
This organization enables mothers of multiple births to share interests and concerns with one another. Call The Birthplace at 570-321-2059 for information about local meetings.
www.nomotc.org

Pediatric Service Clinic (By appointment only)
Community Health Center
416 Hepburn Street, Williamsport, PA 17701
570-326-8700.
Provides immunizations, comprehensive physical examinations, growth and development screenings.

Poison Control Center
Hershey Medical Center
1-800-521-6110
The Center provides an information packet to aid in the prevention or event of poisoning.

PA State Health Center in Williamsport
440 Little League Boulevard Williamsport, PA 17701
570-327-3440
Provides information regarding health needs of children and immunizations.

PA Traffic Injury Prevention Project (TIPP)
1-800 CAR-BELT
Information regarding car seat questions or problems.

Pediatric Basic Life Support The Paramedic department of Susquehanna Health offers a Pediatric Basic Life Support course for the community. This course includes pediatric CPR and health issues of children as well as sickness and accident prevention. To register, call 570-321-2387.
$5 for first time, $3 for renewal.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
Lock Haven, PA: 748-1087
Williamsport, PA: 322-7656
This program provides nutritional support to pregnant or nursing mothers or those that have given birth within the last six months and to their children ages five and under. Provides supplemental foods for women, children and infants.

Wise Options
815 W. Fourth Street Williamsport, PA 17701
570-323-8167
Serves victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and victims of violent crimes. Free services for men, women and children.