If you already had 1 (or more) when did you...

Hopeful1!

have to made significant changes to your daily routine as far as caring for your older child/children?

So far I have been trying to do everything that I used to do pre-pregnancy with minor common sense modifications like making DS walk rather than carry him and playing with him while sitting but yesterday I started to think that it may be time to start making more significant adjustments. We finally had a break in the weather and DS was DYING to play outside, he never insists on anything and he has been cooped up for so long I felt bad saying no to him so I spent an hour playing with him outside and for the rest of the evening and even today I feel like I was hit by a bus. Just achy and crampy.I couldn't give him a bath last night, luckly my husband came home early and was able to help but he has a really high pressure job and often has to work late so I can't count on him all the time. My parents are close by and are SO helpful but they watch DS (and my sister's kids) full time so I hate asking for even more help.

I guess my question is at what point could you physically not keep up with your responsiblities and how do you cope with that? What are some ideas for keeping the household running and caring for your LOs while you are out of commission?

hunt2005

I've already started trying to transition him to helping out more (he gets things I need, within reason, helps me clean up his toys more, clear the dinner table, etc), and we do things like go out side and I'll sit on a blanket or in a chair and throw/roll a ball to him, etc. That way it isn't so much of a shock when mommy can't run up the stairs to get his favorite blanket, etc.  I'd love some more ideas though, especially for those of us with husbands who work long hours and we're here by ourselves all day!

Temp159135562506975

i had DS1 in full time daycare during my entire leave.  I stopped working at 27w and from then on was home all week alone - he was in daycare...   so he could still have fun and keep up routine- and i could actually get the rest i needed and cook the babies to term... and then give them the attention they needed after they were born -  it was great.  I'm guessing you are a SAHM --- you might want to look into a preschool type program or something you can get him in a couple days a week just to get a little break --- or get a mommy's helper to come after school (her school) to help so you can relax more.

i would have passed out if i had to play with griffin all day when i was pg.  weekends were hard enough and i had DH home then!

good luck.