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Expert Q&A
Question:
I am expecting my third child. My partner and I have moved and there is no family or friends here to help me with this pregnancy or postpartum. My husband works full time as well as goes to college and we barely see each other as it is. I have an extremely hyperactive two year old that requires a lot of attention. I am nervous about being able to cope, emotionally and physically, since it seems that I will have no help from others. How can I take care of a family consisting of two ADD children, an almost always gone husband, and a newborn baby, and be able to recover from the birth without going insane, or hurting myself physically because I have no outside help, and being forced to be more active than I should be in my postpartum weeks?
Answer:
First of all, you deserve a pat on the back for thinking of how you are going to cope with the birth while you are still pregnant. Planning now may save a lot of stress later. It's always a good idea to think of what to do before you are actually overwhelmed. It is very difficult for ask for help, but very necessary so you don't "go insane" or hurt yourself physically. You and your family need you in one piece! What might be helpful is to line up your support systems NOW. Of course, I don't know all of your life circumstances, but is there any way your husband could take a semester off during the initial few months after the baby is born to be more available to you? You need his help now more than ever! Is there anyone else in the family who can come and stay with you for the first few weeks? What about bringing in a local college or high school student to help out for a few hours each day? I also suggest that you mention your concerns to your family physician or obstetrician; in that there are often community resources like public health nursing that can come in to visit (sometimes even daily) and support you after the baby is born. If you talk with your pediatrician, there may be a special play group your two year old could attend (even a few days a week) to take some of the pressure off you. If you are involved with a church or synagogue, they may be another source of support for you. In our community, there is a community information line called Helpmate, which is aware of all the volunteer organizations in the area. If you have something like this, you could also give them a call. They may be aware of resources that could be there for you. And try and find out about local mother's morning out groups in your area, as well. I wish you all the best. Please keep us posted as to how things are going."
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