14 year age gap between children

[Dell87]

Hello all. I have a 13 year old daughter and I am 17 weeks pregnant. I lost my son in 2011, he was full term and died 5 days after his birth and was told I would not have anymore. I had a Mirena in for bleeding due to fibroids but on new year's day this year I fell pregnant completely threw me. I am blessed to be pregnant, but I am beyond scared. I don't know how I will cope after not having a baby in my life for so long. I also lost my mum in 2017 who helped me so much with my daughter. The dad is not around for this baby. Has anyone been in a similar position? How did you cope? I am so happy to be having this baby, just worried I won't cope.

So sorry for the loss of your son

I’m not in the same position, but I’m about to give birth to my 4th child and my oldest will be 16 in October (other 2 children are 14 and almost 2)

I was scared when I was having my 3rd after a 12 year gap but after having him it’s like he’s always been here. The older 2 adapted brilliantly and my instincts all came rushing back.

I'm so so sorry to hear about your son. You will rise to the occasion because you love this new little baby. It will be hard but you will get by. Your daughter can help with some things and if you have friends nearby draw on that support network. You are enough for your baby and will be amazing. 💕

It will be over 17yr age gap between middle child and newborn for me. It’s a worry starting again and I worry about the brother/sister bond won’t be there with youngest and older children. On the plus side I have babysitting help (I hope!). Families come in all different shapes and sizes and there are positives and negatives to all age gaps. Too close together is exhausting, few years apart is really difficult to do any activities together. You’ll find a way to make it work, keep the oldest as involved as possible but don’t forget they are still your baby too and will all of a sudden seem very grown up but still need mum

I'm so sorry got the loss of yout son, so sad.
I'm not a single parent, but I did have another child when my only other child had just had his 15tth bityhday. Husband literally didn't lift a finger due to " ilness"( he was ill but not nearly as bad to warant going in a room for 8 weeks and demanding maid service) I was a really stuck with an ill baby who'd Been in SCUBU and a medical condition myself and my son was INCREDIBLE.so grown thoughtful and helpful where he could be.hed hold the baby occasionally so i could cook and have a shower etc.hed makeformula and give a bottle stuff like that;, and it made such a difference. The bond they have is truly special.its wonderful yo see, lovely yo watch. They both adore each other. By the time your son is 17 he will feel so much love and protection towards the baby he'll be like a mini dad.
Having a baby is never easy. Having a baby alone is harder. People said yo me oh you forget what yo do after such a break which was rubbish. (Try and settle your baby into some kind of bed routine by 3 months yo make your life easier to make it less harsh on your son) but from experience they will have a lovely relationship