Baby #2 on Its Way!

Congrats!

When people offer to help - actually accept their offer. Say Yes and have them do something - whether its hold the baby while you shower or throw a load of laundry in.

Line up whatever help you can--whether family and friends or paid if you can afford it. I had an unplanned c-section with complications so I needed a lot more help than I expected. But I did have someone come in and help with housecleaning about 2 weeks before the die date and about 2 weeks after (that was all that was in the budget for us). Freezing meals and meals from friends helped a lot too. Dragging 2 kids anywhere at first is hard so help with grocery shopping is a plus but some stores have a shopping service (you email the list and either they pack it and you pick it up or some deliver).

I went from one child to three (twins). I hired a baby nurse. That was the best thing I ever did!!! Got to spend time with my older daughter and the twins were taken care of and I got to sleep (they were bottle fed).

Have Dad take the 1st 2 weeks off to help with the "big" kid. !!! If he can't line up some help for yourself for the hours you would be alone for the 1st week at least. My mom came over (she lives next door) and got the big kid lunch. Seems little until you have a new born an a older child!!! Have someone help with house cleaning and laundry. You know those people that say let me know what you need.... TAKE THEM UP ON THEIR OFFER OF HELP!!!! They will be glad to help and you will be glad for the help! Give them specifics (helper 1 you clean the kitchen , helper 2 does the vacuuming and helper 3 laundry) You will be fine getting into the swing of 2 children but if you can have help for the 1st week or two while you heal (labor is hard you remember!) then you will be better at putting everything together.

Congratulations!!!! A.

Just had baby #4 and the #1 thing I did with all my kids is have a maid come and do a deep clean of my house the day I go to the hospital so when I come home the house is perfect! I also agree with the last post that accept people's offer to bring you food or help you out. I really got that concept with this last baby. I had meals for the family for 3 weeks! It was incredible!

I have never pre-prepared food for the family, I am lucky my husband likes to cook. So we were fine there.

Good luck and congrats!

P.S. I do make sure I do a big grocery run before I have the baby too. I hate the way my husband shops so I like to get what I want before I am stuck at home for a couple of weeks. = )

Hi V.,

Congrats on the newest bundle of joy!

I hear alot that even though you THINK you've lined up who will care for your oldest while you are actually in the hospital - life sometimes gets in the way. You might go into labor early (or late). You might have to stay extra time or whatever. The person you've lined up that is a sure thing might get sick. Or win a trip to Hawaii and can only go those dates. Or get called out of town last minute on business and if they don't go they lose their job. Or whatever. Don't count on it being your husband, either. You may want him there with you..... or the above may happen to him.... (well, except for the Hawaii part - cuz boy that would THAT be wrong!!!!!!)

So - line up like a gazillion people. Make sure they can communicate with EACH OTHER so that while you are in the hospital they have each other to rely on in case something comes up and they need someone else to watch your oldest and they don't have to worry you (other than obviously give you the details of who has your oldest when).

I would also line up the following help, if you don't have someone who can do it for free :-)
1. Someone to come and clean your house once a week for the first month.
2. Someone who can SPEND THE NIGHT twice a week for the first month so you and husband can each get 2 full nights of sleep a week (this can even be a college student or whatever).
3. Someone who can spend some time WITH JUST YOUR OLDEST so that s/he feels 'special' and isn't craving your attention so much.
4. Someone who can spend time with the newborn so YOU can spend a couple of hours of uninterrupted time with JUST YOUR OLDEST so that s/he feels 'special'.

Also research and have on hand (so that you don't have to research while your foggy and hormonal)
1. A Lactation consultant
2. A subscription to sittercity.com
3. the location of every 24 pharmacy within 5 miles from your house
4. A delivery service that will pick up whatever you want. It's "Grub Hub" here in Chicago and not only will they go to 3 different restaurants that don't offer delivery (in case me & the bf are having THAT fight) they will also stop at the store and get me a cold diet Mt Dew before delivering it all to me at my door (for a nominal fee, of course).

Good Luck!

I'm 4 months pregnant with #2... and I'm hoping on getting an organizational lady and cleaner over at least twice to get this house's clutter under control. I've always been working and school, so the house has gotten away from me. As for cooking, I'm not the cook of the family, my husband is... but frozen meals does sound like a good idea for when he's not up to cooking.

I also plan on working until I pop (I'm an 11ap-7am Nurse), and will be accruing as much short term disability time off as possible... in addition to the basic 6 week unpaid FMLA.

I think the main thing is cleaning, eating, and how to deal with having an older child in addition to the newborn. Got those covered, and have the info and support you need if planning to breastfeed) and you've got it!

I also wanted to mention I'll be having a Midwife assisted homebirth and my 5 y/o will be present. I think it's important she grows up knowing the way birth should happen - privately, with immediate family, at a home like setting and as naturally as possible.

Going from 1 to 2 kids was difficult for me. I agree, accept help. My MIL spent the night the first night home and was a HUGE help with my older daughter in the morning while my husband ran errands for me. Stay in the hospital the full time, dont try to leave early, because once your home, its all up to you. I really missed someone bringing me meals 3xs a day. :)