What things saved your sanity in the 4th trimester ?

[Mamabearwhere]

Baby #3 is due in a few weeks and I’m trying really hard to make a list of things to do/sort out to make the first few months as easy as possible. I really struggled with my mental health after baby 2 (2 year gap between my first two kids) and I’m petrified of getting PND/PNA again.

So please share the things you did that made the difference, big or small!

Finding a good box set/ series to watch. My baby only sleeps if being held so I can be stuck to the sofa for hours at a time. It's much nicer to have something decent to watch to pass the time. That's if you're not sleeping too!

Pre-cooked meals are also great.

I wish I had discovered Audible!

Lots of breastfeeding but my book was always in another room!

🌸

Another vote for boxed sets and kindle. I added lots to my Netflix list that I was looking forward to watching and also downloaded lots of books by authors I love. Also Amazon prime, much less hassle than having to worry about popping to shops with newborn in tow.

Good support network
Mum to clean the house
Buying something nice for me
A glass of bubbly now and again
Scheduling me time - this does not include having a shower or doing house hold chores while you have the time.

Discussion with husband about low expectations and who is responsible for what.

I had a 16m gap between ds1&2, then a 3yr gap between ds2&3. I was worried too but it's been much easier this time

Do you have any childcare for the older 2? - if yes make sure you use it. Don't feel bad that you're at home- they need entertaining and you need a break.

Batch cook in advance and space it out with lots of easy meals. Beans/eggs on toast, pasta and cheese/sauce etc

I found audiobooks better than boxsets but it's personal preference. Any actual reading (or relaxing bath) by me would guarantee all 3 DC needing attention simultaneously 🤣😭

Assume you need 12hours in bed to get 8hours sleep- so go to bed with the kids.

And ask for help as soon as you think you might need it.

Hope it goes well. I'm really enjoying 3

A Rota with DH. We shared the day when he was on paternity leave. Nights I was on duty until 3am. Then he took over. I went into spare room ear plugs in. Until 9am. 6 hours uninterrupted sleep saved Me. I had a rough birth and needed to recover. This continued when he returned to work but obviously I was solely in charge in day.

Good box set
Things to hand that I could eat with one Hand. Cereal bars. Fruit. Chocolate. Drinks. Flicker phone to hand too. Sorted.

Beach cooking on maternity before baby arrived.

A tumble dryer.