Normal to get cold feet before TTC DC2?

[DottyandOtty]

Just wondering if anyone else has felt this way and if it passes?

Planning on starting TTC second child. First child was an awful sleeper but for the last few months has been sleeping better. I think I’m imagining another baby who sleeps as awfully as she did and it’s terrifying me. Classic high need baby who needed all of me. I just don’t know how I’d cope if we had another who needed such intense attention. We would keep DC in nursery for 3 days a week while I’m on maternity leave but apart from that we’ve no family support, most family live abroad.

I desperately would like another child now and I know it’s the right time. It just feels a bit scary. I also found pregnancy quite an anxious time and suffered hyperemesis so returning to that is a bit daunting.

If anyone can share their experiences (positive or negative!) I’d be very grateful.

Do it! My DD2 is 9 weeks and we adore her, you can’t imagine what child 2 will be like but once they are here it’s hard to remember life before them. Don’t get me wrong it is another level tiring but you just find the energy from somewhere don’t you.

Good luck x

How old is first child?

@Gettingonabitnow thanks. Just reading that has made me feel more excited than scared.

@Stripeyshirts2450 she’s 16 months now

I was like this. Massively anxious before and during pregnancy. Once babe arrived though, was a huge relief and all fine. That's not to say we didn't have our challenges, we did and do. But worth it. Sometimes you just have to make that leap. But think about your coping mechanisms. That can provide relief for anxiety. CBT helped me. Good luck

If it's any consolation I have a "high needs" DD1 who is just constant and so I was a bit apprehensive about a second DC2 too. Luckily DD2 is perfect and the most chilled out baby so far (only 1 year in) This experience has been sooo different. DD1 is still a very intense 3 year old but nursery 3 days a week does help to take the pressure off and lots of activities on her days at home - think swimming gymnastics etc anything to keep her occupied. We have no family help either but so far it's all been absolutely fine. It all just depends on the personality of your second DC. Pregnancy was tough so there was a lot of ceebeebies and craft activities towards the end. If you think you would regret not having a second DC then just go for it, you may get a pleasant surprise. The whole experience has made me fall in love with parenting again and feel things in a different way

Thanks for the replies. I 100% do want another baby, it’s just the leap into the unknown - coping with debilitating nausea and a toddler, coping with possibly another year of near madness through sleep deprivation and a toddler...! But I guess people survive to tell the tale, and there’s every chance another baby would be a bit more straightforward. If they’d just sleep in a moses basket for 10 mins that would be a great improvement from my daughter as a newborn...!