Hello all! I am 6 weeks PP with my second child. When I went to the midwife at 4 weeks PP for my checkup, she determined I have diastasis recti (where the abdomen muscles separate if you aren’t familiar with the term), so she referred me to physical therapy. I went for my first visit this week and was given three exercises to do during the week.

My physical therapist is also a mom and was very kind with her expectations. She told me “I’m not going to tell you to do 3 reps of 15 each because I know that isn’t going to happen.” She did ask me to try to get the exercises in twice a day.

So my question is: how do you make time for stuff like that? I realize it’s just part of being a mom and you just figure out how to prioritize. But I am definitely still in survival mode, my DH is back at work, and I’m torn between nursing the newborn constantly and trying to give my 2-year-old lots of attention. Plus I’m trying to stay on top of making dinner at night (usually once DH is home to give me backup) and at least get a load of dishes done each day so we have clean plates to eat off of.

I feel a bit like having two kids is just a juggling act and right now I keep dropping the ball(s). Does anyone have advice for how to get more situated and develop more of a routine that works? How do you prioritize things like diastasis recti exercises when laying on the floor means trying to avoid a needy dog and curious toddler? I’m just not sure how to go about all this.

Incidentally at this point in time, I’m still in the: constant nursing, handing the toddler the tablet for sanity, ignoring the dog too much, maybe showering once a week, not giving the kids enough baths either, and taking my antidepressant to keep from plunging off the deep end with PPD again stage.

Help?