To not know when the right time to start a family

[MrsSL]

Hi everyone

Brief background recently married to OH been together 8 yrs Bought our home a few yrs ago and are currently happy and financially stable. Everything points to babies next! We both want a large family and are on the same page in that sense.

A little bit nervous at the thought of having children without a family support network of my own although OH family are v involved and would help a lot.

Was there anything you wish you did before having children? Or what made your life easier because you had done 'x' before having children?

I know there's no such thing as perfect timing I suppose I just want a bit of impartial advice as everyone in our lives keeps saying 'just go for it' now!

Sorry for long post :)

If there's an expensive holiday you've always fancied it'll be easier and cheaper to do that sooner rather than later. Save some money to help fund maternity/parental leave (you could do this while pregnant anyway though). I think there's no perfect time really but it sounds like you are in a good place so maybe go for it!

If you're planning on being a SAHM get married first, doesn't have to be flashy, and have a lovely exciting holiday somewhere not child friendly too!

I don't think there's a perfect time but agree if there's a big holiday you want to do, do that first. Much more difficult and expensive with kids.

I think a lot can be said for family support, we dont really have anything and it has made it all harder. Also, think long and hard about work if you can, keeping your pension going etc, the more kids you have the harder it is to keep work going.

I'd say if you're 100 percent sure you want DC, then don't wait.

Sadly DH & I waited until the 'right' time and even though I'm only mid 30s it's too late. If we'd started trying earlier, there's a good chance we'd have conceived.

Waiting those extra couple of years is the biggest mistake of my life - so go for it, and best of luck.