I have a son 4 yrs old, and am currently trying to get pregnant. My son was born pre-pouch and am just wondering how you mom's out there handle a new baby with your pouch. I remember when my son was born it was difficult to fit a shower in. I'm just wondering with the frequent trips to the bathroom(i go about 8 times per day) how you manage your day with a small baby who needs you what seems like almost every minute ?

Having a newborn the second time around seems easier because your've done it before. Your perspective of what is hard and easy as a parent changes too. I realized that a newborn is not as demanding as an older child that can whine, complain, and throw fits. My second was born during a bad flare of my UC, pre-surgery.

My little guy is now 11 weeks. I was really worried that I wouldn't be able to care for him because of my Crohn's. This is my first child and although I am constantly tired from lack of sleep, babies do sleep a lot and can be set down and be content if you need to use the bathroom. I would plan on having a bouncy chair that you can move around the house and set him/her in as you need to shower and use the restroom. My baby takes a pacifer just great and so although some mothers hesitate to use one, you might want to consider getting your kid used to it as a soothing tool for when they are on their own for a moment or two. Also, you have a little helper in your older child.

HI - I have a 5 year old from my pre-colitis and pouch days, and now a beautiful 8 month old baby girl post. The real challenge for me, was how to care for her as a newborn with pouch related post c-section complications, breastfeeding, through bouts of dehydration( which we still are!), and trying to coordinate emptying my pouch, when I'm up in the night to nurse her anyways, instead of waiting for my pouch to NEED emptying, and be up two more times in the night!
I'm also a single mom, so all this do-able, even on your own. Just think of how much you've already done in your life, and how strong you must be, you know? The dehydration was battled with my surgeon, who was really helpful so that i could breastfeed - talk to all your drs woudl be my advice...so that they know the issues, and u can make a plan in advance...cause nothin's like those first 6 weeeks with no sleep, and big 'ouchy', squirting boobs and the darned pouch!
Best of luck