How did you feel transitioning from 2 to 3 children?

[AnxietyForever]

Thinking of a 3rd which would be my last DC, however very worried how I would cope with 3?
How did it go for you?

Very well. Much easier than 0-1 or 1-2

Hard work but 90% of the time we cope as in supportive relationship! The washing for 5 of us is my pet hate.

Best thing we ever did! So easy compared to 0..1 1..2..😍

My sister decided to go for three but then had twins so went from two to four

I think it depends on circumstances. My dc3 was premature and it was hard to cope practically alongside two youngish children. I think it affected them too (is being stressed, me spending a lot of time at the hospital over a long period etc).
I also feel much more stretched in different directions as they’ve got older too. Making sure they all get plenty of attention and are able to follow their different interests.

But dc3 is a darling and I can’t imagine life without him!

Honestly, I found it very, very hard. It took until the youngest (who as it happens, was an easy baby & toddler, so I dread to think what it would have been like if he was difficult) was 2 or even 3, before I felt like i was enjoying being their mum, rather than just coping

I love them all so much, but I think the sensible decision would be to stick to two children.

Gosh, I could never say that in real life

We had wanted 4. Number 3 made us realise very quickly that was madness! It is fabulous though. No regrets.

I have 3...2 year age gap between one and two and also two and three. Having the 3rd was easy. We put children 1 and 2 in the same bedroom. Child 3 in the smallest room. He was a dream baby....after having 1 who wouldn't be put down for 6 months....then the second who had trouble with acid or wind (never really got to the bottom of it) to finally have a sleeper was amazing. The other 2 kids just took it in their stride.....

Just noticed your username now OP.
In the kindest and most sensitive way possible, I really don't think I'd recommend it.

Maybe if you'd support in place, e.g. I know some who have grandparents who do school collections, etc.

@Camellia5 sorry my username was created when I was pregnant with my 2nd DC after 2 losses so I was extremely anxious in that pregnancy. Luckily the anxiety has gone now.
I also luckily have a supportive mum and DH is very hands on when he's not at work.

Thank you all the your replies.
I have a 6 year old and a 1 year old. I feel as though I would rather just get the last DC out the way than have such a big age gap again. It took us a long time to catch on the second time so who knows.

I have 3DC. 2 years between the first two then 4 years. I found it much easier than the change from 1-2 children as the others are at school during the day so plenty of 1:1 time with baby yet older ones are still young enough to enjoy having a younger sibling and play with them. It was made easier as we moved to a bigger house in advance with huge garden. I work 4 days (shorter hours) and it works for me. I don’t have a great deal of family support and have a great childminder

I have 3. DS 6, DD 3, DD 1. At home is fine although DD1 is a very easy baby. School days were a bit of a rush getting 3 ready. But now I'm at work 3 days I take kids to child minder in pjs and she does breakfast, teeth, dressed, school so is actually easier. Taking kids out for the day or shopping was a bit stressful on my own but with DH or my DM it was much easier.
It is definitely more busy but feels really full and happy.

3 under 4 here

I actually found the 3rd baby a lot easier than the 2nd, cant really explain why...

The only thing with having 3 is that the world is seemingly made for families of 4, so hotels, holidays,cars are all much more expensive

I found it very hard in parts. Ds was very ill at birth, and it became evident very early on that he had complex needs. The birth itself, knowing that something was up, but not knowing what....and having 3 under 4 (!) completely knocked me for 6 and I did really struggle for a while.

But the 3 of them are wonderful together and I love being part of this chaotic, noisy lovely gang. I am so glad we had ds.

Son 12. Son 9. Daughter 6 months.. age differences. 🤣

I found it very hard my three are 3 years apart and I remember crying thinking what have I done. Things are better now they are older but I really did struggle at the start.

My dses were about 2 years apart, and I found going from 1 to 2 was easier than 0 to 1, and similarly, it was easier again going from 2 to 3.

I think that, with each baby you become more confident in your ability, and get better and better at the practical skills. Plus you learn where you can cut corners without impacting on the baby’s well being - the short cuts that make life easier and give you more time - and all of this makes it easier when you add another baby to the mix.

2-3 was brilliant. So great we decided to go for no4. The jump from 3-4 almost broke us though!!

I am thinking about whether we could handle a third. My two are 5 and nearly 4. Seems crazy to start again when they are both about to be in school. Love my job, everything getting easier, finally sleeping enough. But, but, but...something feels missing.

DS1-14, DS2-9 and DS3-6 months
But amazing!! So much easier than going from 1 to 2.