How do you relax enough for labour with a 3yo around?!

[Makingnumber2]

I’m 40wks tomorrow. I was not expecting baby 2 to come on that date although it would be bloody lovely if they did because I’m miserable and uncomfortable and ready. I’ve had lots of BH and period like pains on and off since 23rd and all amounted to jackshit so far. I’m convinced I’m just not relaxed enough to go into Labour because I’m not sleeping well and unable to relax for longer than an hour due to a very clingy 3yo who is definitely aware baby and big changes are coming and can’t leave mummy alone.
I just don’t know how my body will ever be relaxed enough for labour to properly start. I’ve been on the yoga ball every evening, tried colostrum harvesting, been on long walks and none of it feels like it’s helping turn these 30 mins here and there of BH and mild period cramps into anything! Anyone else feeling similarly?

Is there anyone else who can take 3yo to enable you to get a few hours rest tomorrow or Friday? Sounds like such hard work!

I'm 38weeks but baby is measuring very large so I will be doing my best to make labour happen soon! I have a 4 year old and a manic dog and don't think I have felt relaxed in 4 years
I will however be doing the thing that bought labour on last time... sex! I'm hoping that starts it off haha. Poor DH, he is aware he is fully being used just to get this baby out as a combination of extreme sickness until 7 months and pgp until now has meant not a lot of that kind of thing recently
I'm also inhaling clary sage oil and will be putting some in my bath tonight but I don't put much stock in herbal stuff. I will try anything at this point though!

My DH is doing loads as he is on annual leave over Xmas but the trouble is 3yo seems to be having major case of separation anxiety just with me- probably because I am trying to rest more, am not hauling her off to the park etc like usual. So even when I’m relaxing upstairs she will be going into meltdown mode with DH, demanding to see me etc and the screams coming through the ceiling are not conducive to relaxation. Plus I feel terrible as she I so upset because of how unsettled she’s clearly feeling about the new baby coming. She went to my mum’s for the afternoon today which was great and I had a long bout of period cramps which seemed to be ramping up to somewhere but the minute she got home she was jumping all over our bed, excited to tell me what she had been doing with Granny etc and all cramps stopped immediately and not returned since 😭

@OHthatbanana this baby also is measuring up to be much larger than my first was which is why I’m also keen for a prompt exit! I can’t have him staying in too long and packing on even more weight.
I used to have clary sage around somewhere from my first labour- although sadly didn’t do anything and I went to 41+1 but I would deffo give it another try if I could find the bottle!
I think I am reluctantly going to have to give sex a go by Saturday if nothing is happening still. Although I am so huge and so uncomfortable and feel so unattractive the very thought turns my stomach a bit 😂 I hope it works you again though!!!
I’m also going to be asking for a sweep at my next midwife appmt and praying my cervix is favourable for one 🙏

Definitely get DH to take her out tomorrow for a few hours for something like swimming and lunch.

I'm sure you'll be fine though. With my second i put DC1 to bed and watched a few comedies on tv. Everything kicked off at around 11 pm

Does she still nap? Cuddle up for a afternoon nap together?

My DD is similarly clingy. Her playing with DH never works if I’m at home. If I want peace and quiet he has to take her out somewhere.

I’m planning a homebirth as we have no childcare, so lord knows how I’m ever going to get through labour with her bouncing about in the same room!

@PanicBuyingSprouts this gives me hope! I’ll crack some comedies out on Netflix to tonight! And yes DH needs to plan something for tomorrow. I will ensure he is clear about this!

@Changelingbutonlyforme sadly she does not. It’s 7am-7pm non stop ‘fun’ all day every day 😉

@IDontDrinkTea glad I’m not only one with super clingy DD at the mo- although I wouldn’t wish the exhaustion on anyone. Amazing you’re going for a homebirth! I hope it’s all goes well. I’ve seen some amazing videos of women birthing tranquilly at home surrounded by their other kids- so 🤞🏻 your DD picks up the vibes of labourland and keeps things chill once you’re in labour.