Maternity Leave Routine?

queensgal · February 2013

When did you start to have a routine (flexible) while you were on maternity leave?

I'm struggling with a baby that doesn't sleep so well at night and sometimes has difficult feedings (gas? colic?). She is 6 weeks old now and I thought by now we'd have some sort of routine to our day.

I'm struggling with having no sense of normalcy and end up feeling blah at the end of the day - just trying to get through it since I don't get to sleep a lot at night.

I'm thinking some sort of loose routine (to include a little housework, exercise, walks, etc.) would help me feel better. Any tips? What's worked for you?

LadyNikon · February 2013

What happens when you feed your LO? Does your LO scream? Are you burping your LO while feeding or waiting until the end? How often does your LO sleep? Our boys started sleeping longer after about 8 weeks. It really depends on the baby.

DCKate · February 2013

Go for a walk! Seriously, today I just walked to return library books and got coffee, but I left the house and had to put a bra on! Makes a huge difference:)

candr09 · February 2013

We didn't really get into a routine until after the 6 week growth spurt. It goes something like this

Wake up and nurse baby
Get toddler up and fed
Do one chore, usually either dishes or laundry
Nurse baby
Play
Nurse baby
Put baby down for a nap
Workout with toddler
Feed toddler lunch
Nurse baby
Play
Do another little chore or some prep for dinner if necessary
Nurse baby
Put baby down for nap
Make and eat dinner
Help toddler clean up any toys she had out for the day
Nurse baby
Toddlers bedtime routine
Give baby a bath, nurse, and put in crib for the night.

Once both kids are in bed I shower and watch some tv before I go to bed, or sometimes do some stuff around the house.

gnomemom · February 2013

Most of my maternity leave was pure survival mode. If I took a shower and got dressed, it was a good day. Going on a walk was something to feel proud of, and if I actually managed to get LO and myself ready and time it right so we could go to Target or something, I felt like it was a major accomplishment for the day.

Dishes did not get done. Laundry...sometimes. Cleaning the house? Lolololol!

The first couple of months are hard. I found that if you don't expect too much of yourself, it is a lot easier when things don't go as planned. That said, I understand wanting to have some sort of routine. It's just not always possible that early. I would focus on setting a goal for the day instead. Today, I will paint my toenails. Today, I will walk LO and the dog. Today, I will eat a pint of ice cream and watch 3 episodes of Pretty Little Liars on Netflix. Start small. Big Smile

MrsBigTime · February 2013

We don't have a routine. I had high hopes of getting one, but when DD actually got here I realized I only have a limited amount of time where my only job is to be with her, so we spend a lot of time cuddling and snuggling.

I do start to get totally stir crazy and blah feeling if I'm home too long though. I try to plan little outings every few days and that helps a lot. I'll get together with girlfriends once a week, go to moms group on Tuesday, walk in the afternoon, run the errands my DH doesn't like. They are little things but they break up the days and make a big difference.

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