Pregnant again only 7 mths after DS1 born

[cometgirl]

I've just found out I am pregnant again, but my DS is only 7 months old! It was so unexpected that I am having trouble being happy about it - I really don't feel ready for another baby yet. Has anyone else had kids this close together (there will be 15 mths difference) and can offer some positive encouragement???

[TheBreastmilksOnMe]

Yes, my friend had her DS and DD with only a 13mth age gap and she loves it. It's hard work but the DS who is the youngest is such an easy baby, she hardly knows he's there. Just think that you will get most stages over and done with together and they are so close in age are they in the same school year? They may well be best of friends and it will be lovely watching the bond between them.

[Xavielli]

I found out I was expecting DD when DS was just 6 months old. It was a real shock. I wasn't ready for another baby. I did go through a phase at the beginning thinking I actually really wished I wasn't pregnant. Ofcourse after seeing scans etc I fell in love. These are the only negatives I can think of, other than the overwhelming GUILT that DS had to share me when he was so so young.

Positives; They ADORE each other, honestly I could disappear and as long as they were together I don't think they'd be bothered.

The nappies were a nightmare but it only lasted 18months and they potty trained at the same time, so went from about 16-20 nappies a day to 0, was bliss!

DS learned at a very early age to be gentle with other people, DD has alot of confidence as when she was forming bonds with other little ones for the first time her big brother was right there with her, so she just gets on with people no problems.

They are both patient (well.. for kids) and realise that other people are important.

If all had gone to plan (ie. me going back to work this sept and not being pregnant again! hehe wouldn't change it for the world)then they would have been at full time school within a year of each other and it would have made returning to work easier.

At 15months you are still in baby mode so don't have to try and remember what to do with one (I'm scared that I've forgotten everything this time) and will not have to spend ££'s on baby items.

So although I was rather devestated when I first found out, I honestly, honestly wouldn't change it for the world.

[FabIsGoingToGetFit]

I read the title as pregnant after only 7 minutes.

[Chynah]

I got pregnant when DS was 6 months so have just 15 months between him and DD. It has not been as difficut as I thought as long as you allow for the fact that everything takes that litte bit longer with 2. The sleepless nights are a bi*ch but then they would be whatever the age gap! DS is very good with his ittle sister and I am really looking forward to when she gets mobile and they can play together.

[knackered76]

My friend was pregnant again when DS was 4 months old. After the initial shock, which included crying when she told me, she eventually came round to the idea. She has just had her third and loves the fact her first 2 are so close, they play well and adore each other.

It's really hard work, but then 2 is harder work anyway, but worth it. You will cope

[PacificDogwood]

I must have conceived DS2 when DS1 was 5 months old - 1 week after stopping BFing so I never even had a period. It took me to 16 weeks to realise as I bled a couple of times after conception.
So there should have been 14 months between them, but in fact there are only 12 as DS2 was 9 weeks premature.

It was very very hard work for the first couple of years, however they are now 7 and 6 and the best of friends - most of the time . And when they are the worst of enemies they are at least well matched...

I went through a phase were I felt 'guilty' that DS1 would have to be a Big Brother so young, but soon snapped out of it. He obviously has no memory of ever having been an only child.

It can't have been that bad as I have had No. 3 and 4 in the meantime...

Congratulations! You, and they, will be just fine. You will have a big baby and a little baby to look after; I had some v helpful tips from friends with twins btw.
Very best of luck .

[cometgirl]

Thank you all so much for your comments! I am starting to feel much more positive already

[geordieminx]

quick hijack - pacific - have started a thread in local, you might be able to help.

Apologies for hijack.

[IndigoSky]

I have 12 months between mine. I'll admit it was very very hard to begin with (ds1 hadn't leanrned to walk when ds2 arrived...) and I had no help from parents etc and we had only recently moved to a new area so knew no one. Don't expect much for the first year. Take it a day at a time and go easy on yourself.

However, they are now 5 and 4 and a sheer and utter delight. I am so glad it all worked out the way it did. They adore each other, play together and very very rarely fight - they keep themselves amused for hours.

It will be worth it in the long run. I promise.