I'm going to be looking after a newborn and 13mo alone. Hand hold?

[Use627]

Has anyone had experience of giving birth to a newborn and having another baby to look after on your own? I've just left my partner, I'm 8 months pregnant and my son is 13 mo. I'm in complete panic mode, how do the logistics actually work? I'm so alone.

I wasn't totally alone but my youngest daughter was born 14 months after her big sister. My now ex husband wasn't around a lot and I was terrified but I managed- I did have help from family and friends. It actually wasn't as hard as I feared and they are now 5 and 4 and the best of friends! I am sure it will be fine for you

I don't have experience of this but wanted to offer a hand hold anyway do you have family and/or friends who can offer support?

Organisation.

Create a safe space in your house that you can quickly pop the 23mo in for when you need to see to the baby.
A playpen with cushions and toys for example.

Ready packed bags with wipes, nappies, spare clothes, towel, snacks that you can just grab when needed rather than scrambling around looking for what you need.

@smallandimperfectlyformed

I wasn't totally alone but my youngest daughter was born 14 months after her big sister. My now ex husband wasn't around a lot and I was terrified but I managed- I did have help from family and friends. It actually wasn't as hard as I feared and they are now 5 and 4 and the best of friends! I am sure it will be fine for you

Exactly I'm just thinking of the bond they'll have💞thank you for sharing, I have help from family so I will muddle through :)

I did this. I actually got into a little routine very fast. I did get PND but once treated and recognised I was ok. They are teens now!

I wasn't alone but my husband worked long hours. I have 17 months between my two. It was tough for a while but we're out the other side now that they're 3 and 4 and they're best of friends (mostly!).

You will find a routine. It isn’t easy at all but I did three in 2.5 years and managed to survive somehow! You will get there, do you have any family or friends who can offer support?

It will be fine.. I had 13m between my first two..dh was in the Forces and no family within 100 miles. I then had another (oops) 12 months after that , so three in 2 years 3 months. I survived ..but had to be very organised. I also had PND from the first so it was tough at the beginning but I did find having them so close together made life easier in many ways... toddler groups suited them all, the copied each other toilet training, and they are best of friends!

Had a 4th 3 years later and the gap made it much harder!