FTM - husband going back to work on Wednesday!

wieb67 · September 2014

I know I'm very lucky that my husband got to take off three weeks from work when the baby arrived - but now I'm used to having him here and afraid in going to get super lonely without him (or just never get off the couch other than to change diapers) - any coping advice??

jht14 · September 2014

My H took two weeks off. The first day was scary but once I realized I could take care of DD on my own it was fine from there on out. I did and sometimes do still feel kind of isolated but I'm normally so busy with DD that I don't really notice and then DH is home for the evening. Now we've settled into a semi-routine and everything is going well. You'll do great! Don't stress!

Everyusernameistaken · September 2014

I had my first day on my own with my newborn and my toddler today! It's been hectic but not as bad I feared.
Best advice I got was to get out every day, even if just for a walk around the block. With my first I tried to plan something every day -- going to stroller fit or a mom group or just having my sister over or going grocery shopping Meeting other moms was key to my survival. It was great having a support network of people going through the same stuff.
Good luck, you got this!!

wieb67 · September 2014

Thanks everyone! Great advice

I already have a friend scheduled to come over and take a walk with us that first day so that should help :-) my MIL is close if I need her as well - I think it's the loneliness of the next 12 weeks that scares me the most!

mrsH1112 · September 2014

Great advice from everyone. My dh took a week off, he goes back to work on Friday. Im scared too. Not because of how much I have to do, as Im BF so DH is just here to help around the house and handle DS when hes awake and needing to be held or changed. For me Im worried for the same reasons you are. For this whole week its just been the 3 of us, our little family and Im scared Ill be super lonely without him too. Haha just typing that made me well up with tears.

portentosa · September 2014

Everyusernameistaken said:
I had my first day on my own with my newborn and my toddler today! It's been hectic but not as bad I feared.
Best advice I got was to get out every day, even if just for a walk around the block. With my first I tried to plan something every day -- going to stroller fit or a mom group or just having my sister over or going grocery shopping Meeting other moms was key to my survival. It was great having a support network of people going through the same stuff.
Good luck, you got this!!

@Everyusernameistaken‌ We're twinsies. Today is also my first day home alone with my toddler and my newborn.

I second getting out whenever possible. It'll save for sanity.

Everyusernameistaken · September 2014

tromboner said:

Everyusernameistaken said:
I had my first day on my own with my newborn and my toddler today! It's been hectic but not as bad I feared.
Best advice I got was to get out every day, even if just for a walk around the block. With my first I tried to plan something every day -- going to stroller fit or a mom group or just having my sister over or going grocery shopping Meeting other moms was key to my survival. It was great having a support network of people going through the same stuff.
Good luck, you got this!!

@Everyusernameistaken‌ We're twinsies. Today is also my first day home alone with my toddler and my newborn.

I second getting out whenever possible. It'll save for sanity.

Awesome! I hope you had a great day. We survived...H is home in 15 minutes!!

nilvero · September 2014

I definitely suggest having someone come to visit. My mom comes over on her day off every week to help us clean and to spend time and my brother and his gf visit on their days off too. That seems to help my mood a lot and it's nice to have the help.

jg1011 · September 2014

I am okay during the day.....I am stressing about being home alone at night. I don't know how I will even begin getting DS (23 months) and LO (3 weeks) through bath and bedtime.....the minute I out LO down anywhere he screams! Ad my DS us a creature of habit and needs his bedtime routine.....ahhhh!

As far as during e day, you've been given great advice! I agree...try to get out at least once a day. It is essential to sanity!

RedBaramid · September 2014

My DH went back to work the evening we got home from the hospital. It was super hard and I was overwhelmed, but we made it. PP's have given great advice, but seriously, schedule visitors if you can. I have someone coming over while DH is at work about 3 times a week. Sometimes it's only for an hour, sometimes someone hangs out for a good chunk of the evening. We haven't been home long and we're only 8 days old, but I find it much easier to actually "take it easy" when I have people coming over who just want to sit and chat./have tea/ and stare and talk about the baby.

doglover31 · September 2014

It will be ok. DH took off a week and a half to be with me and I felt the same way when he went back to work. Take it day by day. I've had great days and then days when DS has been cranky all day. On those days I have DH take over when he gets home and take a break- I'll take a long shower or just run to the store really quick. It really isn't that bad, you will figure out a rhythm that works best.

MrsKasel10 · September 2014

I remember when my first LO was born I was scared when DH was working during bedtime. I never told anyone how scared I was and now he's almost 5. You are stronger than you realize!