Welcoming Baby No. 2

I had been thinking of how to deal with a toddler (terrible twos no less) and a newborn and, quite frankly, was a little scared. So when local mum and founder of The Neo Practice, Suze Cook told me about their Welcoming Baby No. 2 course I thought it would be the perfect way to sooth my fears.

And I wasn't wrong, it was a small group of five lead by an experienced midwife over three sessions. We were asked to fill in a short questionnaire before the course so that it could be tailored to our needs. Turns out we all had very similar worries, fears and questions.

Although I was mainly worried about dealing with the practicalities of two small children, focussing on 'the birth' in the first session was the perfect way to start. Even though it was only two years ago I had forgotten quite a lot from my antenatal classes so it was great to refresh. Also we had all been through the birthing experience before, good or bad, so talking about our fears and expectations was an interesting and helpful icebreaker.

One of the main things I remember from this session is to have a back up plan- my parents are coming down to look after LT whilst I am in the hospital but what if the don't get here in time or baby comes early?

Session two was all about dealing with a newborn and a toddler. Just what I needed to reassure me that not only I, but LT were going to be fine. Each session has quotes and advice from mums who have been through it all already and one of my favourites was something like 'if you get through the day and both kids are still alive you are doing well' I suppose I took from that, it isn't going to be plain sailing and perfect happy families but do your best and everything will be ok.

The final session dealt with milestones and crunch times. Like when to potty train and move to a big boy bed and how to prioritise you attentions at bath time and out and about.

It was a great course that was well thought out and very helpful, I would highly recommend it.
It also gave me an opportunity to meet other local mums in the same boat. At the end of the last session we all had a drink, chat and exchanged email addresses and are definitely going to meet up when the little ones arrive.

For more info have a look at their facebook page.