So I’ve been solo parenting for a couple of weeks now and I’m surprised at how well it’s going. Unfortunately Daddy could only take 1 week off work for paternity leave. He’s self employed and on a low apprentice wage we just couldn’t afford for him to take any longer off. I feel so bad that he only got 1 week at home with BB, especially as I’m breastfeeding so BB spent most of the week attached to my boob. Daddy had a lovely week off with Lamb though and they got to spend some quality time together.
We are so lucky that Lamb loves his baby brother and isn’t showing any signs of jealousy. I have noticed him asking for more cuddles with mummy recently, and I put this down to BB constantly breastfeeding or sleeping on my chest, which to Lamb looks like a cuddle. He’s said a couple of times he wants me to put BB in his rocker so I can cuddle Lamb on his own, but I think this is totally understandable. A couple of weeks ago my cuddles were all his and we would cuddle every day.
Last Tuesday we headed to our local soft play with my mummy friends. This was my second outing with BB and the second time I needed to feed in public. I have to say it went really smoothly. We must of been there for around 4 hours, letting the toddlers burn off their energy, while we sipped cappuccino and ate flapjack. BB feeds more at night, so I only had to feed him once while we were out, but I felt fine doing it in public (my toTs by smarTrike swaddle muslin is perfect for covering me a little if I don’t want my nipples on show!)
Wednesdays are the hardest day of the weeks for me. I’m usually stuck at home with the boys and can feel a little bit like a pressure cooker. I have to be super organised and keep us busy to avoid exploding. I’m still adjusting to feeding on demand and doing puzzles on demand!
This week I felt really proud of myself. I had to take the car to the garage for it’s MOT but obviously couldn’t sit and wait for it to be completed. Luckily there’s a little cafe near the garage so I took the boys there for brunch. I managed to eat a fry up, drink a skinny cappuccino while BB slept in his pram, and Lamb ate some crisps and drank some juice which kept him happy for a while. Again, I fed BB in public, something which I’m becoming more confident doing.
I’ve been complimented on how well I’m doing, especially with solo parenting and taking both boys out on my own. I don’t know why I’m coping so well, maybe because I had such a tough time with when Lamb was a baby my body and mind has found a way of coping this time round.
I haven’t had any baby blues which I’m totally shocked about (considering I had them terribly with Lamb) and that has certainly helped me cope with looking after the boys on my own.
I actually only have 2 days a week alone with them as Lamb goes to his Grandmas one day week and nursery 2 days a week, so you’re probably thinking no wonder she’s coping. However, with how fragile my state of mind was the first time, having the time to spend with just BB has given me the opportunity to bond with him and establish breastfeeding, which in turn has helped me take care of them both together without too much drama.
I’m sure I will have difficult days, it won’t always feel so easy, but right now I’m embracing the fact I know I can do this and I’m thoroughly enjoying having a newborn.
~A~
The Tale of Mummyhood` says
Ah it’s so good that you haven’t had to endure the baby blues and that your coping so well! Hats off to you!
#fortheloveofBLOG
Right Royal Mother says
Really, really good for you. I am ok now but nearing the end of 10 days’ solo parenting and can’t wait for the husband to return! Mine are both under 3 and it isn’t easy. I had a very difficult time with NC for the first six months (my second child) as he had silent reflux, a UTI and pneumonia one after another. My toddler, NG, was absolutely amazing but, because my husband works away from home during the week, it was just me. It used to absolutely break my heart that I couldn’t explain to NG why NC wouldn’t stop crying (I didn’t really know myself) and bath and bed time was the worst. My parents came up every evening for about eight weeks to help out during that time. I don’t know how I would have coped otherwise. Well done you – every day you do it you get stronger – hope you’re being nice to yourself! #fortheloveofBLOG
The Pramshed says
Congratulations on the birth of BB lovely, you sound like you are doing amazingly well managing two whilst the other half is away. Breastfeeding is so difficult, and a huge well done to do for getting on with it with a toddler and also breastfeeding in public too – never easy at first. I remember it taking me a while to go out on my own with my little one was born, and I’m impressed you’ve managed it so quickly with two. Keep going, you’re doing great. Thanks so much for joining us this week at #fortheloveofBLOG, hope you can come back next Saturday. Claire x
Angela Watling says
I hope no-one does wonder how you’re managing to cope; They should just give you a thumbs up, bring you a hot drink and hope that it carries on that way. I’m sure it’s not fluke things are going well – if you had a tough time with Lamb then you’ll definitely have mentally prepared for this as you said. It’s great that you’re enjoying the time so far and you now know when you hit the occasional bump (as always happens with Toddlers and babies!) that you can get back to something that works!
All the best for the next few weeks!
Swanny says
I just have the one and he’s difficult enough. When my stepson is down with us, I really struggle and he’s 11. Congratulations on the little one by the way xxx