My DD is almost two weeks old and I'm exhausted. She's gained her birthweight back plus some, in fact she's gained almost a pound in a week, which is great.
But I'm exhausted. She has her days and nights mixed up, which I know is normal, so she cluster feeds all night long, and then has a stretch from 2-4 (usually) where she is wide awake. And not quiet about it either. I've tried the side lying nursing thing, but my boobs are huge and we haven't mastered it yet. Plus, she poops everytime she eats, so I gotta get up to change her anyways.
I have a 2 year old that I wanted to keep home from daycare while I'm off on maternity leave, but I have no idea how I am going to be able to manage him on pretty much zero sleep. He is NOT a quiet kid, he doesn't sit and read books, or watch TV, he's very active. So just laying around is not an option for him.
Anyways I guess I just need some encouragement and support, to be told that it will get better, because I'm so tired. Thanks ladies :)
I have twin boys and a 7 year old daughter. My daughter was 4 when the boys were born. All I can say is that I can empathize and it'll get better and hang in there!
I say send your older child to daycare. That's what I did anyway. Really I would have to pay anyway, since I would only be removing her for 8 weeks.
But when your oldest was a newborn, she got your undivided attention. I think the new baby deserves the same. And you will be much more rested, thus happier, and happy momma = happy babies.
Hang in there, the first 4-6 weeks are the hardest but it is a breeze after that! I dont think there is anything wrong with sending the older child to daycare, you could always keep him home three days a week and send him to daycare for the other two, that way you can take those days to sleep when the baby does.
Throughout the world, there exists a group of women who feel mightily drawn to giving care to women in childbirth. At the same time maternal and independent, responsive to a mother's needs, yet accepting full responsibility as her attendant; such women are natural midwives. Without the presence and acceptance of the midwife, obstetrics becomes aggressive, technical, and inhuman.
Professor G.J. Kloosterman, Chief of OB/GYN, Univ. of
I totally understand you wanting to keep your 2yr old home with you. But right now, you need as much peace and quiet and sleep as possible. New babies are exhausting! I'd keep him in school to help keep your sanity, so you can be a better mom when he's home. But that's just me. I wish I could offer more advice, other than nap whenever possible and get used to being a walking zombie. Don't worry though, it ends soon enough. Just keep the nights as boring, dark and quiet as you can. Before you know it she'll be sleeping all night and you'll be sad and lonely.
Mom Dad Chazz (7y) Rocco (4y) Joey (14m)
Breastfeeding, baby wearing, natural birthing, anti-abortion, SAHM who loves her tattoos, piercings, and hair dye
If your daycare in anything like the one I used, you're still paying for it during this time...if so, use it.
If your kid is anything like mine, he wants to be there rather than home anyway...the toys always seem to be cooler, and there are other kids there.
Just a couple of things to consider. If there are any convenient grandparents about, use them.
And LEAVE THINGS UNDONE. If it's not needed to live, it's not needed for now.
Yes, it DOES get better but it takes a while. Hang in there.
Thanks ladies :) I needed to hear all those things. I think I'll send DS to daycare (he lvoes it there) for three days and keep him home two days.
In ER with baby
- teachermama81
on Nov. 30, 2009 at 10:10 AM