OUR BLOG

Is it Time for Baby No.2?

 

After planning and trying for months, taking your supplements and banning the hubby from the Spa and long cycles, baby number one arrived in a flurry of baby grows, breast pumps, a heightened lung capacity and 8lbs of pure unadulterated cuteness. And now as baby is getting ready to take those tentative first steps into toddlerhood, you’ve packed the breast pump away and a case of the nostalgics starts to kick in and has you thinking about pregnancy number two. But how do you determine if you and your body are ready for baby number two? Whilst only you and your partner can truly decide what’s best for your little family, there are a few factors to consider when deciding if you’re ready to undertake this incredible journey for a second time.  

Caring for your health during your second pregnancy

Just as you pulled out all the stops to ensure your optimal health before making baby number one, you will want to be as fit as possible before taking on your second pregnancy. Many an expert says it can take at least a year for you to fully recover from pregnancy (getting over vitamin depletion, the strain on your reproductive system and weight and hormonal fluctuations) however, there’s no golden rule that says you need to wait the full year before trying to conceive again.  

If you find yourself back at your pre-pregnancy weight, you’re eating well and your energy levels have you bouncing at the thought of a second pregnancy, there’s no reason for you to delay trying for number two. So with little tyke number one tucked firmly beneath your arms, we thought we’d take the hard work out of the equation and list a few pros and cons to consider if you’re contemplating back to back pregnancies.  

The Health Pros for Back to Back Pregnancies

• Of course as we age our fertility levels naturally decline, if your age is a concern, the sooner you start trying for your second child, the younger (and probably more fertile) you will be.
• Having a little one already will certainly keep you on your toes encouraging an increased level of physical activity, which will benefit your health and strength.
• You will be less inclined to focus and obsess over every little pregnancy symptom that may come your way as you will be focused on your little one with less time to think of yourself. 

The Health Cons for Back-to-Back Pregnancies

• During your first pregnancy you were afforded the luxury of sleeping and resting at will, unfortunately with a second pregnancy you will have your firstborn clamouring for your attention and rest will seem a long way off.
• Unlike your first pregnancy this pregnancy will entail some heavy lifting (like your firstborn) whether your feet are swollen or your back is sore.
• If your first delivery was via a C-section it may be difficult for you to experience a vaginal delivery within the first 18 months to 2 years post birth.
• If you are still breastfeeding baby number one when baby number two arrives on the scene, you’ll be nourishing two special little people so you will need to be extra vigilant about keeping your nutrient levels optimal. 

Are the finances in order?  

OK, so yes there will be another very cute little mouth to feed but the real test to your finances will depend on a host of other factors such as work. If you work outside the home, will your budget be sufficient to take a hit from a second maternity leave or will it mean that you will have to cut short your time spent at home with your new little one?  

Perhaps you’re a stay at home mum who would like a second child now, so that you can eventually plan a full-time return to a career? Is your home big enough, or will you have to upsize? Will your baby gear from your first pregnancy take you and baby number two comfortably through the first year or will new purchases need to be made? Having a second baby will be an additional expense regardless of circumstances and putting a budget guide together can help to shed light on the financial feasibility. However, a cooing bundle of big eyes and pudgy wrists far outweighs going out for dinners each week or new car every year. 

 

So once you have all your rubber ducks in order, let the baby making begin! And if you need a little helping hand check out Fertiitystore.ie for all your pre-pregnancy and fertiity needs.