Help, need advice! Today is my oldest child's 5th birthday, and I am in hospital with a new born baby

[greenbean789]

Help! What would you do? I had a baby 4 days ago, and still in hospital as the baby has jaundice. But my PFB is five today, he was so looking forward to his birthday. All the plans we had for his birthday are out of the window, (baby was few weeks early). How can we still celebrate our son's birthday so he doesn't feel left out? Have him come to the hospital and have a cake or for him to stay home and have couple of friends around? or any other ideas?

I'd ask your 5 yr old what he would like to do. Give him a few choices and let him choose. Congrats on your new baby too. Your ds is probably more excited about that than anything.

Can you leave the hospital for a little while?

I know it's a wrench to leave a newborn, but I bet s/he'll be brilliantly looked after (you could have a relative or friend sit with him/her, if you want someone there as well as staff). Even a couple of hours doing some of the stuff you would otherwise have done will help make it special.

And a 5yo will remember, the newborn won't.

And with hopes you are all home soon.

Thanks Battleshiphips and Aunite Stella for congratulations, wishes and advice. I am touched, and feeling very emotional in general, being torn between guilt and euphoria and sadness.