Hi, AP mamas:

We just found out we're expecting our second child in August 2012 and are very excited! The only thing that has put a black mark on it for me is worrying about our 3 year old (when baby is born, she will be almost 4) and how she'll fare during our hospital stay.

We have decided on a hospital birth (I wish we were home birth people, but I'm 41, insurance doesn't cover enough, etc.), and unless I find out something drastically different, she will be away from me during the two nights I am at the hospital with the new baby. I'm worried, and, while we're lucky we have time to figure it out, it's hard to imagine what the solution will be.

I've never been away from my daughter overnight, or for more than 4-5 hours at a time. My daughter still breastfeeds at least once a night, sometimes more, and cuddles with me (sometimes with her head on my stomach) most of the night. I'm #1 all the time. Dad is very involved and wonderful, but when she wants me, it's me and no one else.

My mother will be here, and she is very close to her as well, but putting her to bed and all of that, that's been me from the beginning. I have thought that her father should stay home at nights during that time, so there is more normal here as well.

I guess I'm just really worried. It's hard to imagine things changing or us changing things so drastically in the next 8 months.

I figured if anyone had any ideas, it would be this group of mamas. Anyone have any resources, experiences to share, or anything that could help?

Thanks, and Merry Christmas to everyone out there! Hope it was a magical, blessed day.
Corinne