A mum-of-two says she made it clear to her husband that she wanted 15 days of rest following the birth of their second baby, but says he’s now admitted he can’t look after both children on his own.
The 26-year-old mum had a ‘beautiful’ planned home birth a few days ago, and had previously told her husband she wanted to follow the 5-5-5 Postpartum Rule. This after-birth guideline is all about rest and recovery for new mums, and involves five days in bed, five days on bed and five days around bed.
She said while her husband wasn’t exactly enthusiastic, he was willing to do it.
“He seemed to drag his feet, but because he wanted kids more than I did, he agreed,” she explained.
She’s also detailed what she pictured the 5-5-5 postpartum period looking like for her family, which includes their five-year-old son and newborn daughter.
“First five days ‘In bed’. Nothing but skin to skin with my daughter, breastfeeding, and resting. Next five days ‘on bed’. Sitting up, still breastfeeding, cuddling with baby, doing homework with my son, crossword puzzles etc. Next five after that ‘around bed’. Still majority resting but doing light chores, folding laundry, nappy changing, just not standing for more than 30 minutes. All while still, cuddling with baby, breastfeeding baby, doing homework with my son and colouring.”
She says her newborn daughter hasn’t been the easiest to settle, but her husband should be able to cope.
“This baby is very colicky and my husband is the one having to get out of bed, walk around with her and sit in the rocking chair, do nappies and take her and our son on walks to get some sunshine.”
“Our son has started acting out at home due to the stress of the new baby and lack of sleep, we’ve offered him going to my parents next door and he seems interested.
“We’ve prepared a months worth of freezer meals so for dinner all he has to do is throw the DISPOSABLE tin in the oven and walk away for a few hours. We have a dog my husband needs to feed and take out on walks with the kids.
“Today he came to me crying saying it was all too much and he couldn’t do this by himself. I reminded him that he agreed to it and I have to go back to work shortly after the 5-5-5 is up, so I need to be as rested and healed as possible so I can better preform tasks at work then come home and perform tasks as well.
“He begged me to help out with our son who will not sit still and help with light cleaning (wiping countertops, gathering clutter into a pile, etc.) I again said no, I am entitled to rest and I will help around the house in eight days.”
Now this mum wants to know if she’s in the wrong for refusing to take care of her children. Share your opinion in the comments below.
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