Feathertop the biggest piece of advice I can give you from going from one to two cherubs is take one day at a time. I love Teepee's suggestions from spending a couple more days in hopsital to having activities etc to occupy #1, especially a 'special' toy/item for feeding time. A midwife suggested to me that I make sure that there was always a spare seat on the non-feeding side for DD#1 to come and cuddle me and the baby when feeding. This way DD#1 knew that I hadn't run out of cuddles for her Being a girl though we gave her a doll that she eventually started to 'feed' when I fed #2! Lol!! I don't see a problem with boys doing the same thing as they're so little but that's a personal thing. Might just be handy to have a doll tucked away in case you think it might be a useful 'tool' at feed times I know you can get some children's books on bringing babies home - depending on how feed times go you could probably multi task and read the story to #1 as you feed #2

But like I said, it is rather daunting thinking about how you're going to go being on your own for so long. My DH did night shifts so was gone all night some nights as well as days etc. You need to be kind to yourself, patient and forgiving of yourself as well as cut your self slack on a daily basis. For your first couple of weeks all you need to be doing is focussing on you, your baby and your 2yo. Potter when you feel up to it but don't expect that you should maintain your current normal of mothering a 2yo and maintaining a house. You're going to find a new kind of normal

Can you make meals now and freeze them? Quiches, bolognaise, casseroles, risottos, soups etc? Stock up on super easy meals - bakes that you chuck it all together and just pop it in the oven and it does the rest itself. Yes even dead simple like baked beans on toast!! You need to simplify it now for your sanity later Also with breakfast times - I altered DD#1's breakfast time so I could tend to her to a point that she was fine to leave (so finished eating) before I started feeding #2. Like I said, a new kind of normal had to be created. But you know what? That's not to say that you won't find yourself in the thick of it and realise you have found your groove quicker than what you thought possible. But it's ok to take a while as well

The thoughts about what is to come really can be far more daunting than the reality and whilst you may not have the physical help available to you, jump on here and natter, natter, natter!!! To have an emotional outlet is very important!

My DD#1 decided to toilet train when #2 was just 5 months old - so was still feeding regularly. BF & toilet training at the same time was ridiculous! LOL! But if someone had told me before hand that that's what I'd be doing I probably would've a) slapped the person and b) said that there was no way that'd ever happen, hehe.

It's hard to see the wood for the trees sometimes but I'd love to encourage you that you have done an amazing job with #1 and you will do the same wonderful and amazing mothering with #2 and #1 at the same time!!

Oh and make sure the kettle is always ready for a cuppa

Not sure if I just woffled your eyes off but I hope maybe I helped some?? xx