Not sure when to ttc no 2...

[Neiffer]

I've been having a good look through these threads and thought I'd post on here and get your wise advice :)
Our LO is 7 mths old and I'm back at work in September. We're just debating when to start ttc no 2 (we caught first time with dd1). I'm really keen to start ASAP but am worried about a close age gap and what work will say (if we catch early again). I also don't know if this keenness is hormonal (im still b feeding but gradually dropping feeds) or some subconscious reaction to returning to work, or a genuine desire to have another baby!! Anyone experienced this huge overwhelming need to get preggers again so soon?! Would a close age gap be so bad?

I have a 19 months gap between my two and I think it's great. Having said that, DC1 was in nursery full time (ish) until DC2 was 2 months old. Sounds harsh or/ and unnecessary but it was a godsend as DC1 needed to be very active and I needed rest at the end of my pregnancy. DC2 was quite unsettled too and hated going out when DS1 must go out at least once a day.
When they are young they have very different needs but in time they will have similar needs and this will eventually make life easier.
I would not have a small age gap without support whether it's a nursery or helpful family.

my neighbours have a small gap between their two and it sounds hellish, the crying and tantrums and shouting seem constant - baby is 18 months, older is around 3 1/2 . I really couldn't do it. There are upsides to being close in age but if it were me i'd have at least 3 years. I think getting through the first 2 years are the worst, after that the advantages seem to start coming into play.
If you can get past that early stage then should be ok.