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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

If like me, you are almost at the end of your pregnancy, how do you cope looking after your first child ?

38 replies

Summerfruit · 04/05/2007 12:37

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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scorpio1 · 04/05/2007 12:40

i was...ds was 2.4 when ds2 was born.ds1 went to nursery one day a week so i could have some space.when dp got home i used to go for a nap . it will end!!

goingfor3 · 04/05/2007 12:40

DD2 was born when DD1 was 2 9 months. Being out of the house made things easier and DD also watched far more telly than she should have. I used to get so tired by mid afternoon that I'd fall asleep on the sofa and wake up to cries of 'your squashing me, get off@!

Holymoly321 · 04/05/2007 12:43

DS will be 2.2 when bump is born - so no advice, but will be watching this thread carefully because I am dreading it!!

Mumpbump · 04/05/2007 12:44

I am 18 weeks pg with ds who is 15 months. He goes to nursery and will continue to do so for one or two days a week after the new baby arrives, partly because I think he would be difficult to cope with 5 days a week with a new baby - he is VERY active!! - and partly because we want him to maintain the social side of nursery. We are also hoping that we might be able to employ someone to help take the newborn baby off my hands so I can spend one-on-one time with ds... But very much depends on money...

Original poster

Summerfruit · 04/05/2007 12:45

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DeviousDaffodil · 04/05/2007 12:45

DS1 was 2.8 months when Ds2 was born.
I think cbeebies was on a lot more than usual.
I used to put all his toys out and lie on the settee and watch him play.
Not easy. |Good luck.

Original poster

Summerfruit · 04/05/2007 12:48

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maisemor · 04/05/2007 12:50

I was. There is 20 months between mine. The first year after son was born was pure h... Then again 2 months after he was born, we moved abroad, which might not have helped I can recommend that you get into a routine, and stick to it. First child needs to still feel wanted, and be allowed to help out - even though it will take you 5 minutes to change a nappy and it will take her about 30 minutes. It is definately worth it now, because it is HER brother not MY son in daughter's eyes, and they play really well together (most of the time).

mamma2kids · 04/05/2007 12:50

Mine were 20mnths apart. If you think you're knackered now wait til the baby comes!

Original poster

Summerfruit · 04/05/2007 12:50

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maisemor · 04/05/2007 12:53

Sorry just realised I did not even answer your question . Daughter went to nursery and I worked full time (supporting daughter and eternal student of a hubby), so was knackered. I tried to enjoy the last few months alone time with her, even though it was hard. Hubby helped a lot though. I have been extremely lucky with choice of hubby

mamma2kids · 04/05/2007 13:02

Sorry smmerfruit. I didn't mean to be rude. I was aiming for jokey.
Actually, if I take the trouble to think back, I really did struggle at the end of my 2nd pregnancy as I felt so sick and so tired and a bit anxious that poor DS did get the scrag end of me. At least after the birth I was physically well (just knackered).
Stick in.

Original poster

Summerfruit · 04/05/2007 13:12

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Original poster

Summerfruit · 04/05/2007 13:13

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bubble78 · 04/05/2007 13:15

well my ds is 4 and has autism i am 28 weeks pregnant so just catch a rest when ever i can and dp is excellent

flightattendant · 04/05/2007 13:54

Oh Summer! Also have DS who is 3 (nearly 4).
I'm so grateful that he is pretty capable and not as liable as a younger version to run off into traffic or feed the cat nitromors when I'm otherwise occupied - but I have no DP so am feeling the despair also!
It's so hard to be very PG and try to keep up with anything, let alone a child who needs so much attention etc - even feeding DS is hard, taking him to the park has become a rarity these days. Poor thing. I really hope he likes his new brother, I don't want it all to be for nothing for him.
Good luck with the birth!

fannyannie · 04/05/2007 13:56

DS1 was 3.3yrs when I was heavily pg with DS2, and DS2 is currently 3.6yrs with me nearing the end of my 3rd pg - both watched far too much TV and became very independent players as I lay/lie on the sofa dozing on and off - having made sure stairgates/safety measures have been made.

If they need me desperately they soon wake me up/cry and you wake up.

If you've got the energy get out of the house with them - we've had more lunches at the Morrisons cafe in the last few weeks than we have for years LOL.

Tommy · 04/05/2007 14:08

DS1 was 19m when DS2 was born. I also have a DS3 now and DS2 was 3 when he was born.

I second everyone's comments about taking it easy - don't put too much pressure on yourself and CBeebies is fine!

I also found that inviting people round or inviting myself to other people's house was good as the children could entertain each other and I got to sit down while their Mum made me tea!

BethBoo · 04/05/2007 14:08

I'm expecting our second child and I have coped so far by blocking it out!! But with a few months to go I am starting to worry!

The kids will be 18months apart so it will be hard work and have had lost of people offer to help but don?t think that it will materialise as we were pretty much alone after the initial months!

So plan B is Cbeebies, lots of videos and toys! Ohh and pray that she doesn?t turn from the sweet little girl to a psychopath as a result!

Tutter · 04/05/2007 14:09

mumpbump at "I am 18 weeks pg with ds who is 15 months"

Piffle · 04/05/2007 14:12

Summer, not meaning to sound grim but when the baby is here is a million x harder
And I have the easiest 4 yr old dd in the world and a laidback good sleeping 6 wk old baby
But you just do it...

maisemor · 04/05/2007 14:17

We spent most of our time in the playgrounds (perfect weather for it now as well). Neither of our children have ever been "glued" to the tv. They mostly watch it if they are sick (trust me not my choice )They are both far too social. As long as you are there to answer any questions they have about what they are watching, I see no problem in them watching tv, if you are just too tired to entertain them. Firm believer in using the tools you have been given in order to survive a child filled day
I was basically forced to go out when I was alone with daughter and pregnant with son on the weekend. Luckily her best friend lived just down the street, and we had the back garden. When hubby gets home you just say, busy, busy day, must go lie down, just call when you have finished making tea for us all, love you, and then you give him one of your most dazzling smiles .

Original poster

Summerfruit · 04/05/2007 14:19

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Mumpbump · 04/05/2007 14:35

Yes, that would be a real feat! What I meant of course was "I am 18 weeks pg and already have a ds who is 15 months old"!!

maxbear · 04/05/2007 14:46

I had ds when dd was 2.2 felt dreadful at end of pregnancy and was very worried how I would cope dd being very difficult etc. Luckily for me after the first two weeks I felt physically much better and was able to get out of the house more which helped a lot. Of course cebeebies features more than it did before but all in all I have found having two much less stressful than I thought I would. Good luck!

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