Have a 5day old baby recovering from c section and 2 year old who's having his moments how will I cope ?

[Loudloopy]

Currently still in baby bubble, I have s beautiful new born he's 5 days old and I have a 2 year old which to be honest he is taking it really well however and to be expected has started throwing things (absolutely launching them) tantrums, smacking and biting which I expect but I'm recovering from a section which is fine at the minute whilst The husband is off but how an earth will I cope ?? I just have no idea any tips or advice or light at the end of the tunnel ? I had a section last time and remember feeling relitivly normal around the 4 week mark
Thanks again
X

I had a c section twice and with DD2, I had nobody at home at all from the moment I got out of hospital. DH had to work...self employed. I had DD aged 3 running riot and new baby DD in a basket beside the sofa.

I just lay there whilst DD aged 3 destroyed the room and on 3 days per week I limped over the road to take her to nursery.

Not one bugger came to help me out. Not my Mum or my sisters or my friend.

My friend I can forgive as she'd not had DC at that point and probably had no idea what I was going through...plus she was in another town. But my Mum and sisters?? Wtf?

I'm not engaging in a competition OP but I am letting you know that it will be fine. It really will.

Let your older DS make a mess. It doesn't matter. Have the TV on...let him watch it.

You can do as little or as much as you like and if at all possible, get him into some sort of nursery or have someone over to assist.

Oh and many congratulations on the lovely new baby!

How long is DH off for? Can he also take some holiday?

@HennyPennyHorror that's made me feel so much better 💖💖 he's at nursery two half days a week, so that's a good restbite from the chaos and like you say I need to just let Shit go for a hug untill my littlest is a bit more durable to withstand the 2 year olds boisterousness 😂😂 I think I'm having one then baby blues moments because I've gone upstairs put some washing away and cried and now
I feel better 😂😂😂

Congratulations on your new baby @loudloopy ! I can’t offer any advice as I’m still pregnant with Dc2, due in August and I’m due to have a CS. DC1 will be 2.5 then and I’m also dreading the recovery with a boisterous toddler when DP goes back to work - so I’m sending you lots of love and positive vibes!
@HennyPennyHorror ‘s advise sounds spot on though - don’t pressure yourself to do too much! DC1 can enjoy running riot and watching a bit more tv than usual! Do you have any friends / family you can call on to help out if things get a bit much? Can your DP take a bit of holiday on top of paternity leave? Can you put DC1 in extra nursery sessions for a week or 2 til you’re a bit more active and recovered? Xx

Congratulations. Lots of tv, read stories whilst breastfeeding, eat what you both want or whatever us easy and don't worry.

I've been in this situation and just got gallons of water next to me, and lots of books and dvds. Also we ate things like cold cuts, cheese, bread, peanut butter, bagged salad, fruit, yogurt and cake. And ready meals or pre frozen, with pouches of pre cooked rice or microwave baked potatoes.

I also usually went to bed with the baby when the toddler slept.

Congratulations on your new baby! I had similar circs to a PP - self employed husband so no paternity leave and like you I had my then 2yo to look after at the same time. Lower your standards and do as little as possible while you recover - make sure your focus while your husbands at work is keeping the children safe and fed and yourself rested! He will have to do more when he comes home from work to take the pressure off you until you feel fully fit again which can take a few weeks.

I gave my 2yo lots of attention while the newborn slept, lots of snuggling, undivided attention. If your 2yo naps as well you sit your butt down with a drink and relax!

Walking does really help you recover, do you have a double pushchair? Once you feel ready it’s really nice to have a slow walk with the kids, it helps you feel better and breaks up the day. I’m lucky as we have a park a 5min walk away so maybe week 2 I’d take a slow walk down to the park, let toddler run around then a slow walk back.

As PP says easy quick foods for your toddler, bananas, toast, fish fingers etc just stick to the easy stuff for a few weeks.

With regards to tantrums as you say it’s normal but I found that being really consistent with discipline and lots of positive praise - getting stickers and huge fuss when he does something good really helped.

5 days in you feel tired and still weak but give it a few weeks or so you’ll be feeling so much better so extra iPad or TV tome for your toddler when you need a break is definitely Ok! You can do it, I managed and I never thought I would be able to!