How much help will you have post-partum?

snowflakemom · February 2012

I am freaking out a little about being able to take care of everyone after we get home from the hospital. DH will likely need to get back to work asap after we are home (we own several businesses and it's hard for him to be away).

With my previous two c/s, my mom was able to come stay with me for about a week after each one and it was a lifesaver. This time around, she has some work committments and may only be able to help out for a couple days. MIL is nearby but I'd really rather not have to call on her if at all possible (I know I may have to suck it up and ask for her help).

And I'm most worried about it this time around since I'll have two other children to take care of in addition to the new baby and recovering from the c/s. And this baby will be coming home to our new house which has a pretty long staircase (we had no stairs in the home we lived in when we brought DD1 & 2 home) with both DDs bedrooms downstairs so for bedtime, baths and DD#2's naps, I will need to be going up and down the stairs.

How much help are you lining up for after you get home from the hospital (and do you have other children at home to care for)?

Tcampbell222 · February 2012

I also have 2 daughters at home. a 2.5 yr old and a 17 month old. My Husband is taking a week from when baby is born off. I have my sister who is a teacher to help me (she will be on spring break for 2 weeks). I think after that 2 week mark I should be ok....But if not doing well I will have my mom take a day or 2 off to help out. I do not have stairs which can be really hard on you. Good luck!

jjhp2018 · February 2012

The only help I have is my DH because my parents work full time, as do any friends that live close. DH works on the river and right now it looks like he will be scheduled to be on the boat during when our RCS will be ... but he is building up days so he can take off. He will be at home with me at least the first week then it's all on me.

I will have a 1st grader, a 12 month old, and the newborn. It's going to be hectic because we live 1/2 mile from the school and are required to drive DD1 so I will have to load everyone up just to go down the road every morning lol.

Good news is if we play our cards right with the schedule I should only have to do it alone for a week then DH will get back off the boat and get 2 weeks at home (giving me a break to recover again lol) and after that he will leave for 2 weeks, come back for 2, etc.

harmonicbabe26 · February 2012

None. Week at the hospital then week with DH staying at home. That's it. But then this is my first and I have nobody else to take care of.

I feel ya - it might be better to suck it up and call in reinforcement, even if it is your MIL. Get lots of freezer meals ready. Breakfast too. I hear french toast keeps beautifully in the freezer.

Good luck!

ks3pink · February 2012

DH is planning to be off those first two weeks. My parents live right in front of us and my MIL is 5 minutes away as well. I also have an aunt and two step grandmothers right down the road. If I need someone I am sure I can get them as we are blessed to have everyone near. I don't know what I'd do if they were not so close. I can definitely see why you are anxious but I am sure it will work out, even if you have to call your MIL. GL!

goldenleaves · February 2012

My c/s is on a Friday and DH will have off that day, the weekend and the whole next week, so around 11 days. After that my mom will be come over to help me with my son! I don't have any stairs which will make it easier, we did after I had our first and I basically had to move into the living room for 2 weeks to avoid the stairs.

pepomntpat · February 2012

My husband was home a lot. I could have survived without, but the house and pets may not have. I am not sure what I would have done with other children to care for. Can you hire a postpartum doula?

kjennnn · February 2012

Not much. C is on a Tuesday, DH will take off Tues/Wed/Thur/Friday from work. I will likely go home Friday morning, and he'll be home with us that day and through the weekend. My mom may take a day off and come up on Monday, but likely after that I will be alone. And I'll have a 2 year old too. Hoping that I can handle it. I will likely send DS to daycare for most of that first week so that he can keep his schedule, burn energy, etc. That will help.

Last time I had DS on Tuesday, he was released on Monday, DH took that Monday and Tuesday off, then I was by myself and I did fine.

mlf625 · February 2012

I think with two others at home, you'd better line up help for a minimum of a week. If not your MIL, maybe a sitter to help with your older two or dinner or whatever?

DH went back to work a day or two after we came home each time. After DS, my mom stayed a week. It was really nice to have the companionship, but I know if she'd had to go home sooner, I would've been 100% fine - it's pretty easy with just a newborn. After DD, she and my dad stayed two weeks, and it was a HUGE help. I attribute my super easy recoveries in part to not having to jump right back into every day life when we got home. They helped around the house, took DS to the park and other activities, or held the baby while I showered or took a nap. This time, we've moved and live close to my parents, and I anticipate asking them to help out quite a bit after #3 comes home.

Want a personalized experience?

How much help will you have post-partum?

Re: How much help will you have post-partum?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards