Separation for childbirth: the effect on the sibling.

The reactions of 14 young (one to three and one-half years) first born children to the routine two to six day separation associated with maternal childbirth were compared with 17 children permitted to visit their mothers in hospital for one hour per day. Behavior observations in the home one to two weeks after birth compared to those made two to four weeks before birth as well as maternal questionnaires revealed significant increases in temper tantrums, excessive activity and sleep problems in both groups. Children, however, who visited were initially significantly more responsive to their mothers and new siblings.