The First Solo Week with a Newborn and a Toddler
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- My first week solo parenting a newborn and toddler - the hardest week of my life!
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As a mom of 2 who are now 16 and 18 years old, I think you’ve done amazing to get a blog out as well as adjusting to being a mom of 2. I wish these kind of vlogs were around when I was at your stage of life. They are so natural and true to life, keep being you ❤ x
Breastfeeding is not easy but it's so rewarding and it's the most convenient help on hand. Mine was on the boob literally every 30 minutes some days, not because of hunger or thirst only. Babies latching, being fussy on breasts (literally hitting them and touching them, burrowing face in them) is actually stimulating the milk supply, it's not only the sucking.
The hard part is that it does not work as with bottles, feed every couple of hours. To have milk supply established in early weeks and months, the best is to feed on demand, even if it means feeding every 20 minutes.
When fussiness started, I was switching sides,.sometimes even 5 times in a row.
It's the cuddles, sucking, poking, touching and skin to skin that stimulates early milk production, not only feeding. Our bodies are miracles, you got it momma!
Thank you so much for taking the time to type this, really needed it ❤🙏🏼❤️
That fussing looks totally normal for a 3 week old baby, please try not to worry! Cluster feeding and regular feeding is normal especially in the first 6 weeks while she tries to stimulate your supply. The first month or so is so hard with breastfeeding but honestly it will be worth it and gets so much easier. Sending love!
Thank you so much for putting this blog out there. It shows the unstaged reality of motherhood. You’re doing fantastically well and your little ones are so well cared for and loved. ❤
You’re doing a great job ❤ and as a mummy of a 2 year old who is 13 weeks pregnant, it’s nice to see a realistic vlog of every day life! Xx
I miss breastfeeding so much. BF my boy for 14 months, and I remember the mornings were cluster mornings 7-11 easily!
Babies are really good intuitive feeders, so when they’re full they will stop. Breastfeeding a baby they stop when they’re full, but obvs want more frequent feeding.
So precious.
I’m still unsure if I’d like a second baby, but you seem to be absolutely smashing it. You’ve always got our support Shan xxx
I love all your vlogs no matter what they are , I love how you don’t fake it you show exactly what your going through and it makes it so much more amazing ❤️ thank you for sharing your life with us and the most rawest parts ❤️🥰x
you are doing so amazing! i found breastfeeding harder than anything else, but it's so worth it, i'm going 2 years now! i don't like to say it's worth it, because it is so hard, but you'll thank yourself when she starts getting all the bugs and you have the ultimate medicine. i found that women tend to not trust themselves and give up on breastfeeding, and you used some wording here that suggests you don't always trust you have enough, or Hallie is fussing. I recommend noticing those thoughts and fake confidence! Tell your brain you are an expert breastfeeder! Don't limit yourself by thinking you're not doing it right. There is no such thing as feeding too often, remember, breastfeeding is not just a food source, it's everything for that baby. She might want to go back to boob cause her tummy hurts, or she is tired and wants to sleep, or she just needs to feel that she's close to you. Just because she wants boob all the time, that doesn't mean she doesn't get enough milk. So don't get discouraged if she is attached all the time, that means breastfeeding is working. But it's also worth noting that because of that it's very draining.
I 100% agree with this, I ebf my first for a year, now 14 weeks in with my second. I've learnt to just trust my baby and she takes what she wants. I offer boob if shes fussy or tired and see if she wants it. I think it's a lack of education why a lot of woman give up because they believe you feed a baby and then feed again a few hours later, I wish there was more education around bf. Also it is very rare that woman don't produce enough milk especially because its supply and demand usually introducing bottles cause issue because we're not honoring babies milk wants.
Shan I relate to you SO much, I also have a 3 week old and a 2,5 year old toddler and man it’s hard at times. I feel we are on the exact same breastfeeding/combi feeding confusion of a journey. Just to say you are doing amazing, don’t doubt yourself and your mummy instincts and any decision you make for your little ones, know it’s always made with love and can never be the wrong decision ❤
You are an absolute rockstar! Vlogging with a toddler and q new born, I tip my hat to you!
Breastfeeding gets easier, my LO will be one next week and we are still going strong, it was so hard though in the first few week, im so glad your LC made ypu feel better and gave you some tips! You are fantastic
Love how raw and honest this video is. Reminds me so much of the start of my breastfeeding journey with my son. For the first couple of months it was just like this, I was so anxious about it as he was super fussy but he was gaining weight which was great. After a couple of months it got so much easier, I hope it’s the same for you xx
Hugs to you, Shan! ❤First couple of months of breastfeeding are quite hard, take care of yourself and find support whenever you can!
You're doing great! Don't feel discouraged by her being hungry a lot, that's very normal. In fact I think George might be an outlier. I breastfed and bottle fed my baby (exclusively formula by 2 months) and she would still need to be fed every 2-2.5 hours. Even on formula. However I have to admit I love formula feeding compared to breastfeeding because it was sooooo much quicker 😅
Hi congratulation on the birth of your baby who is so gorgeous.great vlog don’t beat your self up.i xxxx
Well done you! I have a 2 year old and a 4.5 month old and it's so tough in those early weeks. Having my son at nursery on some days helped massively to allow you to just take some time out. You've got this mamma!
Breastfeeding does get easier as they get older. you'll find she'll start getting more efficient at it and will feed for less time, with more time in-between feeds. I had a very similar problem with my son too where my let down was too much for him and he'd constantly unlatch, but by the time he was around 8 weeks old, we'd really gotten the hang of it, to the point we didn't alternate between breast and bottle (pumped by that stage) enough and he began refusing to have milk from a bottle 🤦♀ xxx
To answer your question, yes it’s a great vlog! I’m juggling two, similar ages to George and Halle, and find it so comforting to see others in the same situation. Your positivity is really inspirational! You’re doing so so well 💪
Also just wanted to mention that I had the headaches for the first month postpartum as well, they are annoying but they will go away! I read that it’s a pp symptoms due to hormones x
Well done for keeping going with the breastfeeding! Those first few weeks are so hard. It took me a good 8 weeks to feel like I knew what i was doing with it!
Try not to worry about your milk supply. If theres not enough Hallie will demand more by cluster feeding. You're supply will go up and down depending on how much shes ordered 😂 I've been breastfeeding for almost a year and have put complete trust in my body. It did an amazing job of nourishing my baby when I was pregnant and I trust it to provide for him now! X
You’re doing great, don’t worry about the vlogs just concentrate on yourself ❤❤❤
You're doing such an amazing job! Would recommend using your Kally sleep pregnancy pillow when breastfeeding on the sofa. Made such a difference for me, loads more comfortable and if I got my daughter rested in the right position I could have both my hands free! Xx
I EBF my girl, and that fussy behaviour is totally normal. She could just be boosting your supply, could be your flow (try laying back slightly or expressing the first bit to lessen the force it comes out with).
Also, just a tip to lessen your workload. A baby that is bf doesn't need bottles/pumps sterilising. Your boob isn't sterile, so the bottles/pump parts only need washing up and rinsing to get bubbles off. This advice was given to me by a bf consultant. I do occasionally sterilise the bottles if they've been in the cupboard for a while, but otherwise I just wash the bits and rinse. Baby girl hasn't had any issues at all x
You are amazing 💗 Smashing it xx
It's not easy bless you ❤ but you will get there it just takes time to adjust hope your headaches go soon its all new to you yet x
I tried breast feeding my third child after bottle feeding my first two & I hated it. I then got mastitis and was miserable and in pain so I gave up after two weeks and bottle fed again. Didn’t regret it one minute.
I remember it so well. My husband went offshore when our 2nd was 8 days old, for 3 weeks. My oldest wasn't 2 yet. She had silent reflux and cows milk allergy and it was AWFUL. My 1st born sleps really well which helped and he still napped. But it broke me! You're smashing it!!
And remember breast feeding is for more than just food. Breast fed babies feed for comfort and bonding. Bottle babies don't xxx
You're doing an amazing job 💜
Breastfeeding for me was really difficult at the start, I think most breastfeeding mums will agree! But I managed a year in the end and ended up enjoying it and the bond so much. Promise it becomes easier x
Your doing so well. It gets easier I have a 6 and nearly 3 year old xx
Your doing an amazing job. Doing it all by yourself with two well done mumma. I struggled for a while. ❤️❤️❤️
you're doing amazing girl, it's definitely not easy but you should be so proud of how you handle it and juggle it especially doing youtube on top. Super woman xxx
you can try switching breast when she's fussing that might help
Hiya going from 1 child to 2 is a big adjustment and mum guilt is real! I breastfed my second one too and breast milk is way easier for a little one to digest so they will be hungry more often. That’s another reason their poop is different between breast or formula. Also newborns have very short wake windows around 45mins to 1 hour then they need to sleep again or they’ll get overtired and fuss. Something to bare in mind.
Might help with the George car seat thing I ask the little ones I look after to ask me when I stop the car if they can open their belts, as ov it’s not great when they keep popping it open 🙄xx
It sounds selfish but the main reason I couldn’t breast feed is the lack of routine with it. I need structure but I understand why people like to do it xx
It is fine to feel that way 😂 I did feel the same, and at the beginning it is hard... Later it gets better and easier, because at least my baby got on a schedule and it got better. 😊
Add electrolytes to your water! Water needs them to be absorbed into the body, do this by adding a TINY pinch of Celtic Sea Salt to your cup 💖 from someone who works closely with water for health and the environment. 💧💧 This saved me in PP
I’m going to be honest. I did the same with mine.
My second was breastfeed. And it is so rewarding and cost effective. But being a solo parent I found my little one so clingy not going to other members. So keep combo feeding it will help you later. I wish I did that would have made my life so easier
Hey Shan,
Thank you so much for making your videos!
I have question related to how you put two children to sleep on your own? It’d be really helpful to know .. how you manage to do it. Also how you thinking about sleep training next baby and if the rooms are close between baby and George , will they end up waking each other up? I’m having a second baby but our bedrooms are pretty close together. Be lovely to hear from you!
Sending you good vibes x
Be interested to see what your eating throughout the days, especially as breastfeeding :) x
I had a lot of headaches in the first six months, and my husband did as well. For me, it was just the lack of sleep, it was bad.
17 months and still going 😅 I’m sure he’ll enjoy to sleep at some point, right? 🥴
Its such a juggle doing it all by yourself! Every time I manage to get out the house for a morning with both kids I feel like a super mum! ❤
We had a rough time last night. Baby girl wouldn't sleep for 4 hours straight from dinner time onwards and was an absolute mess and our boy refusing to sleep too! Haha! 😂 Thankfully I had my husband to help out, but massive thumbs up for doing it all by yourself day and night and to all the single parents out there too!
I have a 4 year old Hallie currently pregnant with a baby boy and his name is going to be George 🙈❤️🩷🩵
Your doing a great job! Love the honesty and the realness you share. Your children are beautiful xx
You’re doing amazing mama ❤️ following you for so long now I’m just so proud of you!
Sometimes with breastfeeding you feel like you’re feeding more often bc the baby uses breastfeeding not just for actual feeding but for comfort and entertainment too🥰
Youre doing great Shan. I'm 15 weeks pregnant with a 2 year old and it is helpful to see realistically what to expect and get prepared mentally. Dont put too much pressure on yourself in terms of content, especially in these early days and months
You're doing amazing! Breastfeeding is so hard but so rewarding!
I promise you that it only gets easier...I started unsure if I'd even be able to do it for a month and in the end he fed until just over 2! It's definitely a journey but you're absolutely smashing it! ❤ Be proud!!!
Try some electrolytes, that should help with your headaches and dehydration x
You're doing awesome mama!!!
Try having a rehydration sachet first thing in the morning. It helps refuel your fluids to make it through the day. The thirst when breastfeeding is crazy! Enjoy taking things slowly when you can in this adjustment time. ❤️
You can also layer the Summer clothes with a long vest, tights and cardigan so they get to be worn while they fit.
Are you drinking electrolytes? May help ??😊
You're doing so brilliantly! What lucky kids 😊
Side note, best decision we ever made was to build a wee covered pergola in the garden to dry laundry outside in winter, small house saviour 🤣
Your doing so well ❤ I’ve enjoyed the blog it’s nice to see the running of having 2 kids as someone who is still deciding on wether or not we will have number 2 I’ve enjoyed watching 😄 xx
Im glad i found your channel im due tomorrow and have a 15 month old
I had this last week.. a weird pressure headache every day. Maybe it was a virus!
Love formula feeding!
I love her name! Automatically thought of Halle Berry 😅
Also, she’ll be cluster feeding as she’ll be ‘ordering milk’ so at the beginning I was told by the midwife to give baby as much as needed on the boob so your body makes what is needed ❤
I notice when my son is sick and he’s asking for boob for days my body 2-3 days later is definitely making more.
It’s amazing how it regulates itself again though. Super amazing!
You’re doing such a good job Shan 🎉
Very often the fuss to up your supply
I always suffered with hormonal headaches before kids. They disappeared after i stopped the pill..came back in my 2nd pregnancy then stopped at 3rd tri.
However when my 2nd turned a year, they came back. Constant migraines! Now I'm on a breastfeeding safe medication. But il put it down to hormones, bfing, hydration and tiredness...so many reasons being a mum of littles!
And also, my daughters drawers are just FULL of shorts. I'm literally getting winter clothes out in AUGUST 😑😑😑
Your nursing routine is so nice and ideal ❤ My son was on off on off for 8.5hours average a day. My nipples are legit scared and I can’t feel them anymore, which is handy when they teeth and now he’s a toddler 😅
Hearing you talk makes me want to experience it all again, yet I really really don’t! I have a 3 yr old and 18 month old girlies and Jesus Christ that first year was HARD. It’s just beginning to feel better now my eldest has turned 3. 2 yr old was just awfully testing as are newborns 🥲 xx sending lots of well wishes to you
I haven’t finished the vlog yet but just at the bit where you’re talking about tracking breast and bottle feeding on the app. I combination fed and I didn’t realise for weeks that when breastfeeding I was supposed to feed on both boobs as one breast doesn’t count as a full feed and I also felt that I was feeding every hour or 30 minutes because I was only doing one boob at a time. Just thought I’d mention that in case that’s something that might help. There’s something about doing both to get the fatty milk that fills them up for longer but it’s over a year ago since I breastfed so it’s all a bit blurry what I can remember! Also you’re doing amazing, I don’t know how you’re doing solo parenting with two during the week, you’re smashing it xxx
I think it's a good idea to offer both breast but many times my baby just feeds from one side, she's ebf. I then just alternate the best I can throughout the day.
Yeah I’m no expert :) just a suggestion to maybe get a bit longer between feeds. Everyone has their own way of feeding. I’m just repeating what advice I was given from a breastfeeding consultant.
@@katieclarke6476my baby favoured one breast and now I’m lopsided, one boob is a cup size smaller than the other one 🙄 and it wasn’t before I had a baby x
You are going great. 2 is hard when they are both young. My eldest is 25 months and youngest is 4 months. I've breastfed both and they are both soo different at feeding! My eldest was ALWAYS on the boob. My youngest goes hours between feeds. My eldest was 4 weeks early so not sure if that had anything to do with it.
First 6 weeks you are adjusting your feeding so its rough with cluster feeding but you do whatever you need to to get through 😊 finding it alot easier now than the beginning!
Push your nipple in if baby comes off and you are spraying. Stops it 😂 happens to me all the time haha x
Fussing at the breast is usually something babies do to increase supply. If you try to make sure that her chin is indented in your boob and her nose is practically clear of boob then she has the best chance of getting more milk out and more quickly/effectively. You’re doing amazing juggling it all! I hope you are managing some down time even if it’s just going to the toilet 😂 I’ve been there, it’s hard!!
The fussing at the breast is deliberate & it’s to up your supply as they grow ❤
Breast feeds don’t get into a rhythm for a good few weeks/couple of months. You’ve (she) got to get the cluster feeding, snacking, supply, latch etc all worked out before you see any routine. she also could be going on for comfort too. It’s a such a journey and it’s not linear. Be kind to yourself x
where is your water bottle from?
You're doing great! 🥰
Breastfed babies eat a lot more than bottle fed babies. There is so much more involved than just feeding baby. It's bonding it's comfort.
Awww legs hurting 😫. Yes! Is definitely a growing up thing as my 2.5 boy has the same, some nights he screams all night bcs of it. Yes we've been to gp, I gave him paracetamol/nurofen nothing. The only thing that calms him down is wet cold cloth (kind of like ice for us but obs just cold water from tap)
Yeh breastfeeding makes you very thirsty and hungry all the time, in my experience. It’s true it is hard to see how much they’re having with breastfeeding, I was feeding every hour whilst baby was very young, and yes change boobs or you’ll end up lopsided 😂 I agree get checked for high BP if it carries on, it could be just a sharp drop in hormones though, I’ve heard this can be a reason for headaches after giving birth xx your vlog is keeping it real, so don’t worry about the content, nice to see someone posting the struggles we face in parenthood and not just pretending it’s all perfect ❤
Was the sneak peak test correct?
Your doing amazing 💗 I exclusively pump which I found works wonders as I can tell exactly how much she’s getting and anyone can feed her. Every time after she had a bottle I’d pump ( every 3 hours) she’s 10 months now so only has 4 bottles a day but I still try and pump every 4 hours to keep up with her demand but I’ve dropped the night pump so I get the most in the morning which sets me up for the day. It depends on your lifestyle and with a toddler this might be more challenging but you’ll find your way overtime and at the end of the day as long as she’s fed and happy that’s the main thing if it be breast or formula 🥰xx
I exclusively expressed milk for for my daughter - if I can be of any assistance in this area let me know ❤ I did it for 13 months so have some tips if you need any xxx
Absolute respect to you for getting through that week. Having 2 is so much more to deal with, especially when yourhave a newborn that needs so many cuddles and a toddler that's learning how to share your time. Witching hour during toddler bedtime when you're on your own, I don't know how you're doing it. I'm so happy your husband will be with you from the end of August, having just gone through it myself, I really worried about how you were going to get through it. Are you moving back close with family?
The hunger and thirst was something I was so unprepared for when I stared breastfeeding! If you like coconut water, I’d give it a go - it was a game changer for me. Full of natural electrolytes. I’d pop a mini one and a soreen bar by the chair for night feeds 😊xxx
Check you out supermommy!!! Your doing great! Its crap being on your own but its nice that Ash helps you when hes home! My husband has never changed our 18month olds nappy once so ive done everything from day 1! Love your vlogs shan its lovely to see you all thanks for taking the time to pick up the camera! Sending love and hugs 🫂 take care xxxxxxx
With her fussing during a feed, try burping midway she might just have a bubble if you have a fast let down 😊 you should have a look at feeding in the baby carrier! My sister did this with her 3rd so she could do other stuff and feed the baby too x
You’re doing so well! With my first he used to feed every hour at the start but with my second I would always try and offer her both sides even if she seemed like she was finished, she would then only feed every 2.5-3 hours. Cluster feeding and fussiness in the evening is also so common but so hard when trying to do bedtime with a toddler. Promise you it will get easier every week x
Hi lovely, you are doing amazingly well, I breastfed and it is hard at the start, sending you lots of love! I also thought of you earlier as have been listening to a podcast called Unruffled by Janet Lansbury and her Audiobooks and it made me think of you and George's big feelings and thoigh you might find it really useful. It's helped me stop outrageous tantrums for my toddler, so hope it might help you also 🥰 You're doing incredible Shan!xxx
You’re doing so amazing you really are! I want to say look after yourself but I know that’s easier said than done. Breast feeding isn’t easy, it’s takes me back to when my now 3 year old was a newborn xxx
I can't even deal with how sweet she is! Look at all of that hair! I'm glad you took a few weeks without vlogging and took care of you and your littles. It's lovely to see you back, but I hope you take it slow and take care of yourself! While you can get headaches from breast feeding (I pumped because no latch) I would suggest a visit to the doc for your blood pressure for Post natal preeclampsia. My sister had it and didn't know until the doc checked on her. Best be safe!
Some things I lived on when pumping every 2/3 hours was flapjacks. Oats are amazing for getting your supply up. I also loved protein shakes between meals.
You’re absolutely smashing it. You could have a look into purple crying as that can be a good explainer for that new baby witching hour. Keep on being amazing. 💞
You are doing SO well, I certainly couldn’t have picked up a camera just a few weeks into having my second! It is so tough for those of us who don’t have a “village” around us day-to-day as many do.
Don’t feel guilty IF George needs to do a couple more days here and there at nursery while you get settled into the new routine and try and claw back some sleep. We cut our daughter down to three days but definitely booked a few extras in in the first few months. XX
I breastfed my little girl and when she was this little she'd feed for 2hours straight every evening from 7-9! If i tried to put her down or hand her to her dad it didnt end well 😂 Shes an only child so I cant even imagine how difficult it must feel for you at times but your doing amazing! And it will get easier and you'll find a new routine that works for you all! ❤
You're so lucky your baby is so chill and sleeping through the night. Mine is now 4 months, he was crying all the time, struggling to drink and still does. I think he had silent reflux and gas issues I still don't know. I also wish I got your snooze pod, looks so useful!
Really enjoyed this vlog, first baby is due in December and I'm so anxious about how life will be after baby is in the world and you have to still do life while juggling everything else. So reasurring that it is possible, not necessarily easy but it is possible to do the things and go to the groups and also make time for a hot bath while ensuring all the motherhood things are being acomplished. Thank you for showing reality
Noticed Molly's ears were back when you walked past her in the kitchen :( is she not liking the kids 🤣
You’re doing amazing 🎉 it’s so tough and how you’re managing without your partner during the week must be really really hard xxx
Thank you so so much for putting a true to life mumma of 2 out there 🥰🥰🥰🥰 enjoy hun the adventures are just starting 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳💙💖🦄🦖🌈
Thank you for sharing this with us. I'm getting ready for my first solo week with a 6 year old and a 3 week old.
Love you Shan, I do hope you feel able to share the less talked about moments, so that everyone can see it’s not always wonderful. Until then, take care of your family and most importantly yourself xx
Thanks for taking the time to vlog this week!! Must be really challenging. And congrats on your breastfeeding journey too, I found it really hard but so totally worth it x
How comes you didn’t put a dishwasher into your new kitchen layout? X
Great vlog really helpful and honest 😊 im due in 7 weeks 😅
You're doing very well. It is hard, especially on your own.
Could you share where your kitchen light is from?
Great super mommy ❤ you manage so well both your newborn and toodler ! 👍🏻
Loved this vlog well I always love your videos your doing amazing x
Put a little pure sea salt on your tongue you might be a little deficient in some minerals hun xx
Celtic salt is best for this! X I do it all the time, makes me feel better instantly
Well done huni! Smashing it through the good and the difficult Xx
Your such an amazing mum your doing such a fab job ☺️ X