Well I'm in the same boat as you, expecting #3 the end of July/early August. What I've started to do now is when DD2 has a day sleep, I make DD1 have rest time with me. She doesn't have day sleeps anymore, but I make her lay down and read a book quietly with me and I usually have a snooze. So when #3 comes along, the plan is that I can either have a rest at this time still, or be feeding in peace, or something similar.
I have also started getting DD1 to help me out more with the cleaning and washing. I figure as she's almost 4, it's certainly not too early for her to be helping me. She's just that type of kid that loves helping out, and loves to be organised just like me
It may, or may not work, but I'm willing to give it a shot anyway. The less I have to do on my own during the day, the better.
If I think of more, I'll pop back in.
Get the house cleaned (if need by a cleaner and don't hesitate at getting a cleaner for the first month or so), and the washing done and have some little routine like things that can keep everything manageable so you can focus on bubs and not worry about the house. Have some "special toys" for the kids in a tub/bag that they don't get to play with until bubs arrives and it can be for when you're bf'ing. Let people know that you'll be screening ALL calls. If it's urgent to email you and you'll respond accordingly, but if they would like to visit they can leave a message and you'll sms/email/call when a time is most convenient for you. Do not make ANY plans... do not commit to anything. I let everyone know that for the first few months I would always be a "maybe" and if I had a bad night I wouldn't be showing. Try and get some friends to make up some freezable meals and do some yourself. Stack the freezer like you're preparing for fallout LOL! And don't just stock with meals, stock with baked goods for snacks for the kids or for that midnight bf'ing hunger attack (fruit on hand is good for that too!). If there is someone you can book to do a massage, book them in for the second or third week at home. First week tends to be so blissful and all about connecting but baby blues and stress can kick in after so have a "reward" booked in. Have a few sets of sheets ready in sets (do the pillowcase thing) for your room. If you can even look at getting 1 or 2 mattress protectors. Then make the bed up with protector/sheet/protector/sheet/protector/sheet. So that instead of needing to remake the entire bed you can just strip it back, for that boob leak or accidental wee on the bed, or even just so you can strip off sheets to a clean layer! Start taping some of your favourite shows, or get some movies or things you'd love to watch at 3 am The more prepared you are the more you can just "enjoy" those awake times or even feeding times during the day. If you've got a good network, maybe book in some playdates where they come and pick up the kids and drop them back. So that you can have some one on one. Not every day obviously but so that you can get some sleep during the day if you need to. Will try and think of more...
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The more prepared you are the more you can just "enjoy" those awake times or even feeding times during the day. If you've got a good network, maybe book in some playdates where they come and pick up the kids and drop them back. So that you can have some one on one. Not every day obviously but so that you can get some sleep during the day if you need to. Will try and think of more...
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