SIBLINGS: SOON-TO-BE BIG BROTHERS, SISTERS LEARN BABY BASICS AT SOUTHEAST HOSPITAL

Five-year-old Sally Pyles of Charleston says she will be a great big sister when her little brother or sister is born; now she has a certificate to prove it.

She is a graduate of Southeast Missouri Hospital's sibling class, a course designed to help soon-to-be big brothers and big sisters learn a little about the new arrival.

Graduates also get a bonus. Following the birth of their new brother or sister, graduates of the sibling class are allowed to visit their mother and the new baby in their mother's room.

Peggy Uhrhan, a licensed practical nurse who coordinates the sibling class, said, "The program was set up mainly so they can come in and hold the baby while their mothers are in the hospital."

But she said it also gives children a chance to talk about their feelings about a new baby in their family.

Sally said, "I wish it's going to be a girl. I don't want a little boy. They are fighting all the time."

She added that even though a new baby would soon arrive at her home, "I will always be five years away, and I will always be the oldest kid."

The class lasts two hours and is designed for children ages 2 to 10.

The youngsters learn a few basic skills about how to hold a baby, feed with a bottle and even change a diaper, a task that brought a few complaints.

But the highlight of the class is a trip to the obstetrics unit to see where babies are born.

Having learned the proper way to scrub their hands, the children tour the obstetrics unit while wearing gowns, caps and shoe covers.

They peer through the glass at the newborns and tour labor and delivery rooms and the rooms where they will visit their mothers and new siblings.

"The babies are cute," said 4-year-old Lisa Langenfeld, of Cape Girardeau. "They're very little."

The youngsters had some ideas of what a good big brother or sister should do. Lisa said, "You should let it take a nap."

"You can feed it a bottle," said Brian Keith, 6, of Glen Allen. Andy Taylor, 7, of Mounds, Ill., added, "Play with it."

All the girls wanted baby sisters and all the boys wanted baby brothers.

The children make a little gift for their babies and end the class with a birthday party.

Rusty and Jeaninia Taylor of Mounds, Ill. brought their son, 7-year-old Andy, to the class.

"We found out he couldn't see the baby unless he attended this class," Jeaninia Taylor said.

"So many people are in and out of the hospital in 24 hours, but just in case I had to stay longer, I wanted him to be able to see the baby.

"At seven years of age, this is as much his baby as ours. There is no way I wanted him to be left out."

She added, "I'm also hoping he will get a little idea of what's to come."

Karen Hennecke of Whitewater brought her stepson, Charlie, 6, to the class.

"I'm hoping this class will be another way to help him be able to adjust to the idea of a new baby. I want this to be as easy for him as possible."

Parents from all over Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois, who plan to give birth at Southeast Missouri Hospital, bring their children to attend the sibling class.

Martha and Anthony Toon brought their two sons Gregg, 5, and Stormy, 3, to the class all the way from Charleston.

"We just wanted them to know they are important too," Martha Toon said. "They feel a little left out right now. This is a special night just for them. They were real excited about coming.

"Also they want to come to the hospital when the baby is born."

She added that the two hour class gave she and her husband "a couple hours of peace for ourselves."

The classes are scheduled through the Nursing Education Department at Southeast Missouri Hospital and dates fill up early. For information, call 651-5833.