Toddler getting on nerves...Please help

[Cativari]

I'm getting so impaticent with my toddler (20 months old) Everything is really starting to get on my nerves and I feel like I'm constantly getting on to her for something. She's up every 2 hours at night. And to top it off I'm so touched out because of her constant nursing (as much as 2-5 times in an hour...even when I offer food and drink) and climbing on me

I just want to cry. I'm so tired. I've been having predromal labor for 3 weeks. Yesterday and this morning I"ve had bloody show but it seems to be gone now, and the contractions aren't getting any stronger (I'll get an occional strong one but other then that) and they are still irratic (anywhere from 3-10 minutes apart with no pattern). Needless to say I'm about at the end of my rope with just about everything.

Has anyone else experineced this before having their new baby? Is it just me reacting to the end of pregnancy or her reacting or a combination? Does it get better? Please tell me it's just the end of pregnancy horomones that are making me so irratiable.

[Ms. B. Sprout]

I understand.

I think this is a very special time for mama, and it's ok to take small breathers from your toddler, if possible. I have been trying to be very gentle with myself in this regard, while at the same time being gentle with DS (who is trampling all over my last nerve right now). I am not nursing him every time he asks, and I am not reading him every book he wants read, etc. But I am being sweet and gentle to him nonetheless.

: I hope your labor is in full swing very soon!

[look11]

I can't offer any wise words, but you need big hugs! I AM sure that the end of pg hormones play a factor and it's TOTALLY normal to feel the way you're feeling. As others have told me, things have a way of working themselves out after the baby comes, and I bet they will as far as nursing.

My 4 year old is more emotional and needy these days and I have to assume it's a reaction to the baby coming. Even if your toddler isn't consciously aware of it, he knows things are "different" right now and he will work through it, too.

Hang in there. you're not alone!

[AGlimmeringHope]

I was very, very on edge with regards to Anna-Lee before I had the baby. I had to keep reminding myself that she doesn't know what's going on, but can sense things are going to change, and she's dealing with these big changes, too. It didn't make things she did less nerve-wracking and it didn't make me more zen-like, either. But it helped. I just tried to be as gentle as I could. I started limiting nursing about halfway through the pregnancy, so that helped me, because her nursing at the end was like nails on a chalkboard.

Just remember, mama, this too shall pass!!

[bumblebeej]

I was really super edgy at the end of the pg. And that was with everyone! As soon as I had the baby I was able to be myself again! And even DS 12 commented on how I wasn't cranky anymore! LOL Dang kids, can't get nothing past them!

Hang in there!

[MCKH]

No advice, but I understand. Ever since the baby has come I've been really impatient with my 2-year-old, who is of course acting extra obnoxious and whiny. Sometimes I just have to take the baby into the bedroom and close the door and let DH deal with her. I feel terrible because she is still a baby and is only reacting normally to an upsetting situation, but I know this will pass and everyone will get through it. Hang in there. It will all be good.