Not looking forward to postpartum (pity party in here)

[lanielayne]

Things have been so upside down and unpredictable for so long here I haven't had an idea of how it will be postpartum. Now it isn't looking like it is going to be much fun. Dh is working 2 jobs (one a temp one) that keep him out of the house from 4 am to about 7 pm. That means I will be alone with my 3 girls during the day and driving my 2 boys to and from school, doing homework, cooking, etc. No one close to help either though when I did live near family they didn't help much then either. I guess it is better than worrying a ton about money but I really wish I had dh around to help more. Guess I better enjoy this last baby in belly time while I have it!

[ilovebabies]

That's going to be tough mamma.
Have you ever struggled with ppd in the past? Just be aware of the possibility, especially with your dh having to be gone a lot. That's a lot on your plate. You can do it! I always find the first 6 months after the baby is born to be the toughest. There's just something about that 6 month mark where things start to really ease up and improve.

My dh is home a lot but I still struggle with ppd and will be aware of it for myself. I've never had to go on anything though. I think that all of us who are having these spring babies will benefit from the weather! We won't be stuck in the house, the days are longer, etc... I'm planning on lots of park days!

[lanielayne]

No I haven't had ppd before. Usually PP is a blissful time for me. I have been very aware that my situation could bring it on though. I am really longing for the warm weather (the highs are still in the low 30s here). I know that will help.

[Devaskyla]

[galincognito]

can i join your pity party? dh is traveling to india for two weeks at the end of the month leaving me home alone with a 3 week old and a 21 month old. i'm starting to get kind of worried about it!
i'll definitely keep your family in my thoughts and hope that everyone is super cooperative and sweet and that everything goes smoothly.

[liliaceae]

That's an awful lot for one person to deal with. Would it be possible for you to hire a mother's helper, like a young teenager to help out while you're there?

[mom2tatum]

It's crappy. That so stinks. I was feeling bad for myself because I don't have any help either, but jeez, I only have one other child and my dh doesn't have those long hours and he is a great help when he's home. I can't imagine what you've got to do. You're going to need help. How about asking another parent at the school to take your children? Setting up a carpool for all or each of them, whatever the situation may be. Then, when you get settled, or maybe even next schoolyear, you could agree to return the carpool favor?

I hope something gives for you. You may need someone else to take over doing the birth announcements, too! I'm not a good volunteer, as I know my plate will be full as well, but I bet someone might feel ok doing it. Just a thought.