Tempted to have another baby at 38yrs old, older mums what’s your experience?

[Itsnoteasyfeelingqueasy]

I’m 38 and had my first baby in July. I didn’t plan on having children because I always heard how hard it was, particularly from my own mum, which put me off. Also, for various reasons I didn’t think I could get pregnant. Anyway, I did get pregnant and I’m really enjoying having a baby, it’s so so much better than I expected! I now wish I’d done it much sooner as I could see myself having more than one baby. I already feel quite tempted to have another baby but considering my age I’d have to do it soon. That doesn’t worry me but I read a lot of posts about people struggling with two young children. Also my mum has already said she feels too old to be helping me with two, she will be having my daughter once a week for a few hours when I go back to work. Also how do people manage financially with two? Is it too soon to tell if I’d really like another child?
I’d love to hear experiences of older mums with two young children.

I had my first at 38 and second at 39 (22 month gap). The youngest is almost 2 now!

I’m not going to lie - it’s really tough. My eldest is on the pathway to an autism diagnosis however so I think that adds an extra layer of difficulty! I think if I didn’t have the extra responsibility and caring that that entails I’d be now at the stage where things would be a lot easier!

I would say go for it op! I love having two really. It’s hard but rewarding. The close gap is lovely as they start to play with each other.

I’m knackered but they’re not the best sleepers!

I had my first at 36, waited 3 years so we wouldn't have 2 in full time childcare and then ..........nothing. No miscarriages (2 prior to DS) just nothing for another 4 long years.
So we adopted. It was a long process but had more ups and downs than normal and finally brought DD home Jan 2019. She was 2, if I had given birth to her I would have been almost 44 when I gave birth.
It's more exhausting than I remember the first time. Feels a lot harder. DS is 11 and DD is now 3. DS does so much on his own, out with friends, multiple sports so I feel that we've got an only child again but I wouldn't change it.
I'd definitely suggest trying sooner rather than later.
I had no problem getting pregnant the first time, I honestly thought it would just happen, and it didn't.

I recently had another baby shortly before my 43rd birthday. He's lovely so I say go for it!!

One thing I would say is that I'm savouring motherhood much more than I did at 21 because I know how quickly they grow up!