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Did you lose your born with your eldest when you had your second DC?

10 replies

username596960402 · 31/08/2019 14:27

A friend of mine recently admitted she felt like she has lost her bond with her eldest when her second DC was born. This has been a big concern of mine as I'm currently expecting DC2.
I know things obviously will change but I don't want it to change that much. My DD is only 2, she has only recently stopped bf and we have a very close bond. I'm literally terrified of us losing this bond we have and hate the thought of her feeling pushed out. Just wondered how others felt when they had their second DC? How did it affect you relationship with your eldest?

OP posts:
username596960402 · 31/08/2019 14:28

Just seen my title is wrong it should say bond not born. Does anyone know how to change it?

OP posts:
Enko · 31/08/2019 14:29

Not at all it made it stronger as I watched her engage and love her younger siblings. She is now 21 and on Monday she and I are going on holiday together for a week. She is still my baby girl just now she is a great conversationalist and has opinions and cooks!

Kaykay06 · 31/08/2019 14:30

Not st all, or when I had ds3 or 4, not sure why it would but you do need to make time for your older child/children when you have a new baby

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Couchpotato3 · 31/08/2019 14:32

It's weird - I do remember coming home from the hospital with number 2 and remarking that number 1 had doubled in size overnight (he was 11 months). You will still have the same bond, but you get another one with the new baby, and there is another new relationship with the siblings. Giving birth is such an emotional time, try not to over-think it. Your supply of love is not limited and it can accommodate a newbie!

Halo1234 · 31/08/2019 14:35

No didnt lose bond at all. The best bit about second DC is watching first DC bond with them and become a big sister/brother. Sorry if I sound harsh and I know everyone is different but I think the bond between a mother and child is too strong to be broken once it's made. Think for most people the bond stays no matter how many children u have. Watching my children love each other is the best part of my day (not that they are loving to each other all the time but u know what I mean). You will get to watch their bond grow and that's one of the best parts of motherhood. U have nothing to worry about. U will love and bond with both you DC.

saywhatwhatnow · 31/08/2019 14:39

This is a massive fear of mine too OP. I'm due DC2 next year, DC1 will only be 20months and is honestly the absolute light of my life. I really hope we don't loose our bond, and it's really reassuring to hear from other posters that it doesn't work like that.

PapaStinky · 31/08/2019 14:43

Afraid I did. DS was 7.5 when his sister came along. He was the apple of my eye before then. He started playing up massively and I see now he was probably a tad jealous. But he became very challenging, something that he probably always was but I saw it more clearly when number 2 came along.

Now he's nearly 12 and we aren't as close sadly. I do try but it's hard and perhaps the age gap had something to do with it as he had my full attention beforehand.

I'm sure it's not like that for everyone but sharing my experience.

StillMedusa · 31/08/2019 14:47

Love isn't a finite portion.. it just expands :)
My eldest was 13m when no 2 was born, and no2 was 13m when no 3 was born. Then I had a 3 year gap before no 4.
I think if anything I loved the older ones even more with each new baby, because they seemed so amazing and capable in comparison Grin

username596960402 · 31/08/2019 14:54

Thanks everyone it's reassuring to read that for most of you it didn't affect your bond.
@saywhatwhatnow it seems to be a common concern for second time mums. But I find it hard to discuss in real life. I feel like people misunderstand and think I don't want DC2.

OP posts:
Halo1234 · 31/08/2019 16:37

I felt guilty for DC 2 because I felt there is no way I can love them as much as DC 1 and tbh I didnt instantly. When DC 2 came along I was still very much in love with DC 1 and worried that she was loved less. whilst I knew I loved her. Wanted her and would protect her. I also knew if both were drowning I would be going for DC 1 and that made my annoyed at myself and guilty but within a few months (maybe bit longer cant remember now) my bond with DC 2 grew and I can now honestly say I would die trying to save them both if they were drowning. Sorry probably just giving u another reason to worry Haha. Ultimately they are both loved wanted children and that's all that matters. Dont stress it.

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