Welcoming a second baby into the family is a joyful and exciting time — but it can also be an emotional transition, especially for your first child. As a doula working with families across Sydney, I often support parents not just through birth, but also through the delicate process of preparing siblings for this big change.

One of the most compassionate and realistic guides I’ve come across on this topic is The Second Baby Book by Sarah Ockwell-Smith. Her approach is gentle, respectful, and grounded in understanding children’s emotional needs — values I deeply share in my own practice.

Here are some key insights and suggestions I offer to families, inspired by Ockwell-Smith’s work, to help make this transition smoother and more loving for everyone involved.