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Arrival of younger siblings - were you aware in advance?

(55 Posts)
agnurse Wed 23-Oct-19 21:42:15

We were told fairly early in the pregnancy, even before the end of the first trimester. (My mother had a miscarriage between her third and fourth babies, and I still remember when she told us that our little baby had died.)

Our parents usually had two plans for what would happen when the baby arrived, and it depended on when Mom went into active labour and had to go to the hospital. If it happened during the day, we would be sent to friends' homes, and if it happened during the night, someone would come over to stay with us. They made sure we were aware of what would be happening well in advance.

BlueSapphire Wed 23-Oct-19 21:37:52

Not a clue, and I was the oldest of five! Not even when DM was expecting the youngest, and I was 9 yrs old! We were never told and I don't remember DM getting obviously bigger. Just packed off to stay with aunty when the birth was expected, and then the news was relayed that we had a new brother or sister.

Sara65 Wed 23-Oct-19 21:35:28

I don’t remember being aware that my mother was having a baby.

One night in the middle of winter, my dad took me out to fetch the district nurse, we didn’t have a car, and it was quite a walk.

The next morning my dad came in and said he had a surprise for me, I remember being rather disappointed that it was a baby.

I was four, I don’t know if I was a particularly dense child, but I honestly hadn’t picked up on anything!

MiniMoon Wed 23-Oct-19 21:29:33

My sister appeared when I was three, I don't recall whether I knew or not.

I was excited about the birth of my next sister, we wanted a brother, but helped Mam and Dad choose names for a girl or boy a boy.
I also remember going to fetch them from the hospital in the taxi.

Witzend Wed 23-Oct-19 20:05:01

Just wondering. I was nearly 4 when my brother arrived and nearly six for younger sister. I don't remember being aware that anything was going to happen at all. Elder sister and I were packed off to an aunt for a few days when DB arrived - presumably for the birth and aftermath - and came home to find a new baby boy.

We were at home for my sister - I just remember my father coming into our bedroom first thing and saying we had a new baby sister. (Which was an exciting thing to write about in your news at school!).

By contrast, Gdcs of 3 and 4 have been told from the first that a new baby sister is due shortly after Christmas. They were shown all the scan pictures, inc. the very first, and will often kiss the 'bump' or sing a song to it.
Different times!

Not sure how much Gds really understands, but Gdd (4) is very excited - last Christmas she asked 'Farmer' Christmas for 'a real baby, boy or girl'. So he'll be delivering (fingers Xed) . a bit late.