Some Books for the Maternity Department
*This image uses an old name for the ‘Is There a Book for That?’ blog/book list.
Books can be a great addition to the maternity department. They can be great in the waiting room for big brothers and sisters waiting to see their babies. They can also be a tool for mamas who can’t get in on the floor and play with their “big kid”. At a time when big changes might feel stressful to kids, snuggling up in mama’s bed and reading a book will often feel familiar and reassuring for the kiddo and mama.
Most of my recommendations this week are children’s books that support and prepare children for life with a newborn. There are a LOT of big brother and sister books. I am highlighting some options that I thought did a nice job explaining what to expect in child-friendly language. The last couple of books are books that I personally wrote after working as a child life specialist in the maternity and NICU units. They are specifically written to give caregivers words for siblings after a stillbirth or infant loss.
Babies Don't Eat Pizza: A Big Kids' Book About Baby Brothers and Baby Sisters by Dianne Danzig
Playful and factual. This book talks about where babies grow and touches briefly on how they come out. This book also talks about things that the sibling will notice when they see a baby in the hospital: their new belly button, medical bracelet, head shape, skin imperfections, etc. It also touches on other relevant topics such as swaddling, crying, and how to interact. Ends by building up siblings as being loved and important.
https://amzn.to/4lFIO1h
Ready Set... Baby! by Elizabeth Rusch
Another playful and factual book. This one has a little more emphasis on the sibling coping than on the baby. Bringing up things that a sibling might connect with like bedtimes, presents for the baby, and silliness having to do with the baby’s poop.
https://amzn.to/4solqb6
The Big Kids Club by Chelsea Clinton
This book covers lots of details not in other books including baby’s vision, hearing, burping, poops, talking, etc. Good for kids with lots of questions or who do better with lots of preparation.
https://amzn.to/4bP2Ov0
Now that Baby is Here: A Book About Becoming a Big Sibling by Kaela Teitge & Taryn Mason
This book uses photos to show a real brother and sister interacting with their baby. Addresses ways brothers and sisters can help and things they can expect. Simpler and shorter than the books above.
https://amzn.to/4lCDPyo
I’m a Big Brother! & I’m a Big Sister! By Joanna Cole
Simply worded for young children. Focuses on the sibling: positive ways they can interact with the baby and what makes the big sibling special.
Big Brother: https://amzn.to/4bQl3jD
Big Sister: https://amzn.to/47Du50W
For Maternity Bereavement:
There Was a Baby... by Laura Camerona
This book gives caregivers the words to talk to their children about a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. The book acknowledges common feelings and supports the entire family unit with simple explanations and colorful images. Available in English, Spanish, and French.
English: https://amzn.to/4rDkLRK
Spanish: https://amzn.to/475yI3H
French: https://amzn.to/47IB5cX
There Was Another by Laura Camerona
This book gives caregivers words to talk to their children about the death of one baby in a set of twins or multiples. The books acknowledge common feelings and complex grief that the entire family can feel.
https://amzn.to/4lCEboI
I will be adding to the bereavement resources, once I get a chance to preview more books.
