So you’ve decided you want to add to your growing family. You can’t wait to hold another little person in your arms and get love-drunk on that sweet newborn smell all over again. But aside from all the joy and excitement that comes with a new baby, there are many differences you’ll experience between your first and second pregnancy.
These differences aren’t limited to changes in the experience of pregnancy itself. A second pregnancy, and growing family, will impact everything from child care and space at home to how you get out of the house (if you’re even able) and household finances. Get acquainted with everything that comes along with a second pregnancy, including physical differences, the changes it brings, and how to prepare for all the transitions yet to come.
What is secondary infertility and what to know about it
How to prepare for a second child
Preparing for a second child won’t be a walk in the park, but it's not impossible. In this case, taking inventory ahead of your baby's birth or even before getting pregnant is a great way to get prepared for your second child.
Finances
Talk things over with your partner, or review how your finances are doing right now. Are you balancing pay check to pay check, like more than half of Americans do, or do you have a little wiggle room? There is no doubt kids are expensive, so planning accordingly will do nothing but help you.
Balancing sibling attention
Remember the days back when your first kiddo was a newborn? All the time you spent cuddling them, carrying them, and watching them just breathe? Well, the planets could align, allowing your newborn to sleep and older kiddo to be occupied at the same time, but chances these moments will be few and far between. Take time with your older child to talk about how they feel about having a new sibling, the good, the bad, and how they are preparing for a second child.
Preparing to start all over again
Depending on how long it’s been since you’ve had a newborn it might feel like your first rodeo all over again. But even though having a newborn can try your patience and there will be moments when you wonder if having a second child was even a good idea, remember this too will pass.
