BTDT moms of one child and a newborn ..what do I really need in the beginning?

I just found out today that my mother is not going to be coming and helping out for the 1st couple of weeks so I will be on my own. What are the things that I need to do now to make life a little easier for when the baby comes?

Re: BTDT moms of one child and a newborn ..what do I really need in the beginning?

hire a nursing assistant - if you can.

My friend has done that, and is so thankful. They help with everything you need.

Re: BTDT moms of one child and a newborn ..what do I really need in the beginning?

patience...

it wans't too bad...maybe some activities for your toddler to do so you can relax...maybe some new dvd's or movies so you can all tust relax on the couch together

Re: BTDT moms of one child and a newborn ..what do I really need in the beginning?

do you have a snap and go...this way you can just put your newborn in and you can take your toddler for a walk

Re: BTDT moms of one child and a newborn ..what do I really need in the beginning?

The beginning is rough, not going to lie, with a newborn and a toddler (are you having 2 under 2?). Until you get a routine going, things can be very chaotic. There really isn't anything that I can think of that will make your life easier. The one thing that I would say to get if you don't already have it, is the Baby Bjorn, or one like it. Trying to hold DD, while feeling DS or making his lunch/breakfast, was almost impossible, and one of those would have made my life much easier. Also, don't worry about cleaning, or the house when you are alone. You need to rest as much as possible, and that stuff can wait until DH gets home, or someone else can help you.

Re: BTDT moms of one child and a newborn ..what do I really need in the beginning?

Our situation was a little different bc Jayden was in and out of hospital twice for the first three weeks. My mom was here for 2 of those 3 weeks, but after that I was pretty much alone.

We thought it would be a good way to save money by taking Nate out of daycare. But after a few days alone with him and the baby, I was going to go crazy. So I started sending him again 3 days a week. I was able to get a routine together with the baby while he was gone. It was the best thing I could have ever done, so I definitely recommend it.

On the days that he was home with me, I tried to make the time while the baby was napping all about Nate. We would make breakfast, read a book, cuddle on the couch to watch one of his shows, etc... If I was lucky, I could get them both to nap at the same time and I would just veg out enjoying the moment to myself.

There will be days you want to pull out your hair, but it gets better.

Re: BTDT moms of one child and a newborn ..what do I really need in the beginning?

In addition to the above, load up your freezer with food that just needs to be popped in the oven.

Re: BTDT moms of one child and a newborn ..what do I really need in the beginning?

I have 2 under 2 to and it wasn't a big change to add our second DD. We have had no problems and we didn't "need" anything to get buy. I agree with PP about cooking before and freezing it. We didn't do it but it wouldn't hurt to have 1 less thing to worry about. We had no family or friends helping and DH went back to work the second day home. I heard so many stories about how hard the first few weeks were going to be but we never had a hard time, so don't be scared.

Re: BTDT moms of one child and a newborn ..what do I really need in the beginning?

Message edited 3/23/2008 8:47:21 PM.

Re: BTDT moms of one child and a newborn ..what do I really need in the beginning?

I have 2 under 2 and only had help for the first week. It is a little overwhelming but each day really does get better. I agree with alot of the PP. Some other things I can think of is that if you have a multi-level home bring diapers and a change of clothes for each on the level you will mostly be on. The first time I went upstairs with the two of them all 3 of us were hystrically crying because we didn't know how to go back down (I was to hold 2 at once but now it is second nature for me).
DS did start his tantrums when DD came along and then I started to have him help me and they did get better. He would throw out the dirty diapers for me and was so happy to help and we would do a HI-5 when he was done. He always felt so proud. In the mornings we would go into DD's room and say goodmorning to her and I would put him in her crib and he would lay next to her (still does this 8.5 months later ). I also didn't force him to try and like her and let him come around to her.
Some things change but it really isn't as bad as it might seem. Just have patience and if you need a good cry then cry because we have all been their .

Re: BTDT moms of one child and a newborn ..what do I really need in the beginning?

I have 2 under 2 as well and I didn't really find it to hard. I was very nervous in the begining thinking I wouldn't have enough time with my middle guy however when my littlest one came he was a great sleeper and would sit in his swing when I needed to put him down. I had all the stuff needed from my middle guy so I really didn't need to much. To be honest I'm starting to find it harder now since my youngest is now 1 and walking as my almost 3yr old is going in the opposite direction Good Luck to you.