Pregnant with second.. how did you cope

[jellybean218]

I'm 11 weeks 1 day pregnant with my second DC. I have a DS that turns 2 in August, I love him all the world and more and he's so sweet, kind and loving but he's also very demanding of me and is still breastfeeding (wakes frequently in the night still) being honest I'm worried how I'm going to cope :| I know as mums we just do but the sleep deprivation is getting to me now while pregnant let alone when little one comes along. I'm hoping to of Wednesday DS in the next few weeks as he only feeds at bed time and when he wakes. I suppose I'm just wondering how mums cope when having a second child and any advice to make things a little easier.. thank you in advance xx

I have a 4 month old and a just turned 3 year old. I’m sorry to say I found being pregnant really difficult while caring for a toddler. My two top tips would be: teach your DC to be as independent as possible as quickly as possible, walking up the stairs without being carried, climbing into their own car seat, feeding themself etc. This really makes it easier when you’re further along and when you have a newborn. Also don’t have unreasonable expectations of yourself, realise that sometimes you need time to rest for the sake of your baby and yourself. I really struggled with this and didn’t actually ‘slow down’ until I was 36+ weeks by which time I was shattered.

I think you really need to review DC’s sleep to make sure that both of you are getting enough - are there things that you could change to help him (& you!) sleep through now?

I appreciate that all children go through phases of night waking, but generally you should be heading towards him sleeping through now. He really needs a good chunk of uninterrupted sleep at night for his development.

• does he eat plenty for dinner, to keep him going through the night? If this is an issue, we have given our DC a bedtime snack at times to top her up - say a banana or simple bread or something?

• how do you feel about ending breastfeeding - again I appreciate this is so personal but with DC2 on the way it will have to find a conclusion at some point?

• we really found that having no TV after 5pm helped DC’s sleep a LOT, she goes to bed at 7

• speaking to a sleep therapist or getting a good book on the subject also an option?

I truly believe once you are getting enough sleep everything will seem a lot more achievable! It’s still hard, but can be done

Best of luck x

I'm a few weeks further ahead with a slightly older toddler and the main thing I'm doing is trying to foster more independence - more independent play, working on sleep problems we have (dummy use and early starts in our case), potty training, increased walking distance and more walking for purpose (eg to the shop, round the shop and back home), getting dressed and undressed.

I feel very lucky that I actually feel well so far (touch wood) - I was sick and exhausted for months last time so actually having any energy feels like a bonus this time round!