Hey Liz and Nat,

Re breastfeeding -
I found bfing very hard with DD therefore my fear of bfing this time around are so bad I am having anxiety attacks about it. I am worried that I won't be able to bf out of sheer frustration and exhaustion. Alas I am going to seek some advice and maybe hire a lactation consultant. I have heard that the ABA has a booklet about bfing and having a toddler around.

Re keeping DD occupied
I do the same kitchen routine as Liz and I was planning on trying to involve her where ever possible.

Getting house work done.

I am crossing my fingers that DD will continue her 1.5 hour day time sleep for at least 6 months!!!!! I will probably aim to get dinner preped in this time. I am hoping that bub and DD sleep at the same time, and that DD won't be too difficult to put down if bub is awake iykwim.

Getting out of the house

I already pack bags at night for the next day. My issue is having a shower, make up and hair. I guess I may be going around more "natural" looking for a bit.

Dinners
Atm I am doing up a meal planner and I am going to do some pre-cooked meals for us and DD in November.

Liz - Sounds like we have the same ideas.

Nat - I have had 2 friends in your situation and both were lucky to have family to help out. Both my friends relied heavily on their DH's to do the lifting etc. Don't be offened if your DD starts to prefer Daddy for a little while or if she starts to whack you or push you away. This is just her frustration and I witness this behaviour with both my friends and their first borns. My suggestion would be to encourage your DD to walk with you and hold hands now!!!! Encourage her to get up and down with only you holding her hand, also get down to her level to hug her. HTH