I am 27 weeks pregnant and my 3 and a half year old is refusing to eat any main meals apart from breakfast, extremely clingy and cranky/whiney, and waking asking for me repeatedly in the night....
Anyone experience this as a reaction to a sibling on the way?
Very concerned as I am getting almost no sleep during my pregnancy....
Anyone been through this and recommended any resources - books, websites - with practical information?
Xxx
Hi
That sounds really hard! I haven’t experienced or heard anything similar but just wanted to offer a virtual hug.
It is quite an extreme reaction, you might want to check it’s not something else that is upsetting them? Children at that age don’t generally get the abstract future and it’s so early in your pregnancy for a 3 year old to be so preoccupied with a change that hasn’t happened yet. Perhaps they are affected by changes happening already because of the pregnancy or something completely different?
Quality time together and trying to listen as much as you can, so you can find out any big worries, might help you get to the bottom of it. If someone else like the dad or other family member can focus on them while you’re taking some time to rest and enjoy your pregnancy, will also help both of you especially at night.
I know I relied heavily on my husband to be with my daughter, particularly during the nights, when I was pregnant and after I had our second baby. It was upsetting for her and for me because we were very close before, but it helped us both to cope at the time.
Big hug to you both! Xx
Thanks so much! Xxx