Has anyone started ttc asap after giving birth

[Clovissa]

or am I alone in this madness.

Had a little boy 7 weeks ago and itching for him to have a brother or sister. I'm 42 this month, and although I would like to breastfeed for longer, enjoy him for longer, etc. I don't think I can afford to.

Has anyone done this? I'm very fit, have returned to my old shape (pretty much) had no problems in pregnancy, gave birth by c-section and am doing pelvic floor exercises like a maniac...

[jennifersofia]

I think the general health advice is that it is good to leave a year in between births. I have 19mths between my 2 eldest, and my body did feel very worn out after the second, though I had been quite strong before. I understand your urgency though. See your GP about it perhaps.

[moopymoo]

Is there not an optimum time to allow csection to heal? Mightbe worth a quick chat to your GP, but otherwise go for it! As you say, time is not really endless for you and if you think you will manage then Im sur eyou will. You can continue to breastfeed although it might delay conception. IF your periods have returned then your body is ready again. Just a word of warning though - I think there is a hormone spike at bout 7wks or something as I remember feeling very very broody at this time myself. For me, it passed....

[Clovissa]

I mentioned it to the HV. Of course, everyone says the same thing, it's better to leave it longer. But unfortunately that's a high risk strategy for me.

It can't be that bad, though, can it? I know plenty of people who are exactly a year older than a sibling. It'll be a big ask of my body, but having had a c-section, the muscles shouldn't have too much to recover from.

I just wondered if anyone else had done this.

[Clovissa]

Thanks Moopy, I do have a very high opinion of my ability to cope - hope the reality is the same...

It's just, all the drawbacks on one side, then on the other, a little baby.

Some of it will be hormones. DP asked me what I thought about trying again when we were on our way to the labour ward ..

[moopymoo]

In a completely non medical way, I am something of a believer in if your body is ready to carry a baby then you will get pregnant. (this is obv far from fool proof but hope you get what i mean.)

[annoyingdevil]

No, if I were in your position, I'd be trying ASAP.

I had DD at 38 and because of my age and previous fertility issues started trying for #2 straight away. DS was born 15 mths later.

I do believe that had I waited there would not have been a second

[Carikube]

I had a very broody phase a few weeks after dd was born (corresponding with the 7 week hormone spike, perhaps, moopymoo) though it did pass a few days later. I'm 36 so not quite so pushed for time perhaps but we decided not to wait too long and I'm now 8 weeks pg with dc2 so there will be less than 14 months between the two lo.

My mother, my sister and my SIL have all had similar gaps between children and (although it's hard work!) wouldn't change anything so I say go for it...

[Clovissa]

Thanks for all your answers - I think I know in my head what I want to do but I will check out the recovery time for my c-section, that's a very good point.

Carikube, congrats on your new bean!

[Carikube]

Thanks Clovissa and hope that it all goes well for you too!

[bandanna]

My friend had 3 under two and a half, all by section because of her age. There was 13 months between number one and two. She wouldn't change a thing

[bandanna]

P.S She had them close together because of her age, not had sections because of her age!!