Homebirth General Discussion #15

[meow]

Looking forward to not being pregnant any more!

For a little while

I'm glad you have some quieter times coming up. So great to rest those last couple of weeks. Baby will be here so soon!!

[Cricket]

For a little while

Yeah, no kidding. I think one more might be it for us. It will be a tough call either way.

[Arimeh]

One more Cricket?!!?!?!? Gee I really have to come to you for parenting advice, I can barely make it through each day with all the whinging and fighting from my 4! I'm getting more scared about the fact I have to parent this one than I am about getting it out!! I already have a lot of crap days and feel like I want to walk away sometimes so I'm petrified that this might be what breaks me. Which is why we were stopping at 4 kids anyway, I know my patience limits.....

[Cricket]

I already have a lot of crap days and feel like I want to walk away sometimes so I'm petrified that this might be what breaks me.

Don't forget that you're in the last weeks of pregnancy, feeling tired and impatient at the best of times. It will get better after baby arrives and you get back on your feet again! Just give it a little time. There will be a few chaotic weeks of adjustment, and then it will be OK.

[Cricket]

The Mrs - get a sling! I find my sling really helpful when I have to be out with the little guys. Then I have a baby on me, and two hands free for the next two, and the older ones can stick close on their own. They're easy to make too - I can PM you a link with instructions.

Also, I'm finding that there are some things that are easier about a bigger family. When I had only little ones, I was the only source of "entertainment". If we went to the park, I pushed the swings; if they wanted to make a fort or play pretend, I had to play along; if they went outside, I had to be there, etc. Now, my bigger girls are able and willing to give a hand with that. It is really a big help! I expect my kids to all pitch in with family life. I'm not their maid and I don't exist to entertain them. We've explained that families work together to get things done, and that help is expected from everyone. Teaching them to do their jobs well is challenging, but it is starting to pay off. I've also been blessed with a very supportive DH, and my MIL is close by and willing to help whenever I need it. My own mom and dad live a couple hours away, but as I said, they've got the older girls this week, and it's so quiet here today!
I think women sell themselves short a little when they say they CAN'T handle more children. Women have cared for way bigger families with way smaller resources (no washing machine, no running water, no grocery store, sewing their own clothes, milking their own cow, and baking their own bread) for centuries. You can do more than you think. You might choose not to have a bigger family, but don't think that you really can't handle a bigger family. Also, we are Christians, and I definitely believe that God gives you the strength you need to handle what he puts in your life. That has been my experience.
I had lousy days when I was the mother of one child, and didn't know how I'd cope with two. Then we had two, and there were some crappy days, but we adjusted, and carried on, and the same thing happened with #3. By the time we got to 4, the adjustment wasn't so big any more. The bigger ones could help more, and I had learned to work more efficiently. Now the thought of adding another child to the mix doesn't scare me too much. I know it will be busy, and there will be some frustrating days, but we will carry on, and it will be OK. Just keep that in mind when you're having a crappy day. It's just one day, and tomorrow will be different.

HotI - glad to hear that the bleeding has settled down again. That's always so scary!

Arcadia - hope you start feeling those little kicks soon! How many weeks are you now?

[Bella29]

hi all Just subbing really. We are TTC number three, so another hb for us if that happens. wish me luck, I justb O'd today Swaying for a blue bundle

[Cricket]

Welcome Bella! Hope the TWW passes quickly, and you can "officially" join us soon!

[meow]

Then I have a baby on me, and two hands free for the next two, and the older ones can stick close on their own.

This is my problem. My DS1 is more than a one hand job. We're leaving a gap so that hopefully DS2 will be more independent at least so we can actually leave the house safely.

I hope it's a very quick TTC journey Bella. And I have fingers crossed for your swaying!!