How did you know you were ready to try for #2?

Question

My daughter is 19 months and I have been feeling like I am ready to have another child, but the thought of being pregnant again while I am already caring for another child scares me a little. How did everyone come to the decision that they were ready for another? Was it an accident or something you planned?

Answer 1

I wouldn't exactly say it was an accident because my husband and I don't use any type of birth control. However, I was told years ago that I couldn't have anymore kids so when I popped up pregnant, it came as a surprise.

My first son is 9. My first husband died when he was 4 so I never saw myself having a #2. My current husband doesn't have any children of his own and eagerly wanted a baby. Since I was under the assumption that I couldn't have any more, we talked about adopting in a few year. But then ta-daa.. up came baby #2. This one is a girl so we won't be trying for anymore because we feel that our family will be complete with both a boy and girl. Our family of 4 definately suits me because although this pregnancy has been fairly easy (I'm about 36wks), I'd rather not put my body through this again.

Regarding your situation. If you (and your husband/partner) want to think about extending your family, it doesn't seem like it would be too stressful since your daughter is almost 2yrs old. If you guys can financially hack it, tackling it on emotionally/mentally/physically will probably come with no sweat. Not to mention, you guys may not get pregnant right away. Your daughter could be almost 3, already potty trained, and ready to be a helper by the time you guys get pregnant again.  

Answer 2

We decided we were ready when my son started walking (around 9 months).  The babies will be 19 months apart.  It's been rough being pregnant with a little one, and I know the next several years will be very challenging and sleepless.  However, we are in our 30s, and we also wanted the children to grow up close together.  I also want to get back into the workforce sooner rather than later, for financial reasons.  So to us, it made sense to have them close regardless of the fact that it is obviously harder this way.

Answer 3

We planned for our second when my son was 2 years old. I was really scared at the thought of being pregnant and caring for my son, and I was really sick through my first pregnancy so I thought it was going to be horrible. But I knew in my heart it was time. We were ready for another baby, and I didn't want my kids to be too far apart in age. By the way, it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. I slept when my son napped in the afternoon and my husband was really helpful too. I think when you are ready you just know!

Answer 4

2 was a surprise for us!! But I believe he was meant to be conceived. I was on the pill for 2 years when i suddenly didn't get a period one month. I tested 5 times & all negative. I got my period 2 months after my last (so 1 month late) but my pills didn't arrive yet (mail order) so I had to wait until the following month to start the pill. We used condoms and one night we decided not to use one. A few days later i was looking up ovulation and found out that the day we didn't use protection was the day i ovulated. About 3 weeks later I took a test and It was positive!

i *plan* to have my third & last child in 3 years. So I'd like to get pregnant between July-November of 2010. I have 2 winter babies so I want to have a spring/summer baby. 2 birthdays & christmas in a 1 month time frame is just too much!! (11/26 birthday, 12/17 birthday & 12/25 christmas)

Answer 5

When my daughter was a few days shy of 2 she saw a baby in the cart at the store and asked me to buy it. I went home and told hubby the story and we chuckled. After she went to bed I asked him how he would feel about having another one soon. He asked me when I would ovulate next, I told him next week, and now I have 2 girls that are 2 years and 9 months apart. It was a little scary, but think it is almost easier to have them closer together because your still in the diaper and lack of sleep mode to some extent, so it's not a huge readjustment.