How will I cope next week-toddler, baby, section scar, remains of spd?

[LissyGlitter]

DD2 was born 16 days ago now by planned section, I also have DD1, who is 3 in March. For the first week, DP was off work, then my mum came to mine to stay for a week, and now I am staying at my parents for a week. On Monday I will be alone with both children for the first time and have no idea how i will manage! I know countless people have done it, but how?

I am still limping from SPD (getting better quickly though) and obviously have the section scar. The physio has banned me from pushing the double buggy until three months after the birth, but I don't drive and the local row of shops (along with the playgroups and so on) is either a half hour walk or a bus ride away (ok, it wouldn't be a half hour walk for a fit adult, but between my limping and DD1 being a small child, it takes longer)

DD1 is still in nappies, and potty training seems to have gone awry since the baby was born. We are planning on using washable nappies with the baby, like we did first time round, but at the moment I am using disposables as I am only just keeping on top of the washing as it is!

Food is pretty straightforward, as DD1 will eat literally anything (whether or not it is actually edible-a playdough incident recently springs to mind) and the baby is breastfed.

Last time I suffered from pretty severe postnatal psychosis, so I need to get out of the house and have goals to my day in an effort to not get ill again.

DP is very helpful, but he works long hours and often leaves before DD1 wakes up and is back after bedtime. His parents live round the corner, but I have been very reliant on them in the pregnancy, and would like to get back to being as independant as I can if possible. My family are hours away.

I did used to like going into Newcastle for a wander about (bus then a metro train) but I think that might be too ambitious for a bit now

DD1 has a habit of seeming to be in a good mood, then suddenly running off or throwing herself to the ground in a tantrum, even more so since the baby was born.

HELP! Everyone I ask just smiles knowingly and says that I will manage-but how?

I have two children; 7months and 3 in January but no section or SPD. I think that until you can push the double buggy you might need to accept support from the in laws just a bit longer.

That way you can take a walk puching a pram each? Or maybe they could take your eldest to do an activity so you can take a walk with baby?

It's early days and you've got forever to be independent, if the help is there take it.

I would have gone (more) bonkers by now if I had tried to do it all myself.

Good luck, you will be fine.

I was in the same situation.Ds 1 was 18 months when ds2 was born 4 months ago. I also had a planned section (the scar was infected and I ended up with a womb infection)and SPD.

Get a sling! they are a godsend. Had ds in it a lot in the beginning so i could get on with toddler and other jobs.

Put DD1 in pull ups for now(until she settles into her new life as a big sis) and keep using disposables until you are sorted.(im still using disposables, doubt ill get back to the lovely cotton bottoms )

Cbeebies will be a great help!

Will dd go in a buggy when you go out and put babe in the sling? or use a buggy board.Start with short walks and build up until you all get used to it.

We have some good routines going now for bedtime etc. Its hard at night when they wake each other.I still havnt figured that out!

Dont try to be supermum! as long as they are clean, fed and happy they are ok. Ignore other peoples views, if your not dressed at lunchtime it doesnt matter!!

I really hope that helps.It was hard to start with but we are fine now and its so rewarding. We call our house the baby factory.