Surviving a pregnancy with a toddler can be really tough for some mums. Pregnancy is an absolutely amazing experience, don't get me wrong but it does come with its ups and downs especially if you are burying your head down a toilet.
Surviving a pregnancy with a toddler can be really tough for some mums. Pregnancy is an absolutely amazing experience, don't get me wrong but it does come with its ups and downs especially if you are burying your head down a toilet.
If you have just discovered you are pregnant while you have a toddler hugging your hip, here are some tips to help you through the next few months.
Ask for help
It seems obvious, right? Never be too proud if you are feeling tired, sick or need a little breakaway. Ask your partner, a friend or a family member to hold the fort for a couple of hours while you recharge your batteries - it will do you the world of good.
It seems obvious, right? Never be too proud if you are feeling tired, sick or need a little breakaway. Ask your partner, a friend or a family member to hold the fort for a couple of hours while you recharge your batteries - it will do you the world of good.
Help your toddler learn independent play
In cases of morning sickness encouraging independent play will be invaluable when you've to nip off to the toilet. It will also help you in the long run as you adjust to life as a busy mum of two or even three, who knows you may be having twins.
In cases of morning sickness encouraging independent play will be invaluable when you've to nip off to the toilet. It will also help you in the long run as you adjust to life as a busy mum of two or even three, who knows you may be having twins.
Lower your standards
As one mother to another I get it, I know why the washing piles up, mine does too. Lower your standards lady, don't be trying to do it all or you will end up completely worn out. Put housework to the side and leave it for another day if you are not up to it, nobody will be judging you. In fact, if friends or family pop over they might offer to help you out because I know I would!
As one mother to another I get it, I know why the washing piles up, mine does too. Lower your standards lady, don't be trying to do it all or you will end up completely worn out. Put housework to the side and leave it for another day if you are not up to it, nobody will be judging you. In fact, if friends or family pop over they might offer to help you out because I know I would!
Get some sleep
Pregnancy fatigue is a killer. Growing a little one while chasing one can be exhausting so if your toddler still naps try to put your head down too. If your toddler no longer naps introduce quiet hour or maybe even pop a movie on in the afternoon where you can both put your feet up for an hour and get some rest.
Pregnancy fatigue is a killer. Growing a little one while chasing one can be exhausting so if your toddler still naps try to put your head down too. If your toddler no longer naps introduce quiet hour or maybe even pop a movie on in the afternoon where you can both put your feet up for an hour and get some rest.
Most pregnant women need extra sleep to feel rested so aim to go to bed a little earlier than normal. If you normally sleep for seven hours try to increase this to eight, nine or even ten hours a night as your pregnancy progresses. It will do you the world of good!
Plan ahead
If you know you have an appointment coming up try to organise a minder. Hospital visits can be long and draining and the last thing you will need is a toddler running riot. You will probably be a bit more forgetful this time around too so a little diary will come in handy to schedule in appointments and the likes. I'm also a huge believer in lists, so the little diary will come in handy when you need to organise what you will need for the new baby too.
If you know you have an appointment coming up try to organise a minder. Hospital visits can be long and draining and the last thing you will need is a toddler running riot. You will probably be a bit more forgetful this time around too so a little diary will come in handy to schedule in appointments and the likes. I'm also a huge believer in lists, so the little diary will come in handy when you need to organise what you will need for the new baby too.
And remember, you've got this mama. Take it easy, keep hydrated, eat well and mind yourself!
Written by Kellie Kearney staff writer at FFHQ who also blogs at www.mylittlebabog.com.
