Having another baby soon after another one

[Rockabybaby]

Hey so I need some advice,
I've got a 6 month old and just found out I'm pregnant again...
I wanna be over the moon but I'm really scared this time. So many people have told you the cons and oh don't do that, you don't want an age gap that small...
I had a retained placenta with my first and I know despite the time between having another I'm likely to get it again, so I think this plays a big part of me being scared.

Our issue is money, I'm trying to find a nursery for my first and I was looking for a job as we moved areas, and now all that's kinda gone down the drain...
I don't have much maternity left and I'm just about Affording my bills now...
Does anyone know if you get maternity again if you haven't gone back to your old job or? I haven't told my old job I wasn't coming back yet...
My partner pays all the rent and bills and I'm already really worried about finances... Im trying to sell my car but I really do need it.
Just want to know some pros and cons if possible to help us make the right decision...
Thanks

You are entitled to all the legally required bits of maternity pay for a second, even if u at only back in work for a day or two between. BUT check your contract/employers family policy - many have "enhanced" pay you may not get under those circumstances - in my case, my employer requires you to be back for 13 weeks after a maternity leave for you to qualify for your enhanced pay, so if u for left the job or want on maternity leave again, that amount would be deducted from your pay.

With a small gap, a nanny may work out cheaper than nursery. I have twins and that was certainly the case for us. Worth looking into.

No advice about the retained placenta I'm afraid.

DD2 is due in 9 days, when DD1 is 14 months so the gap is pretty much identical. Personally I really wanted kids v close together, and sort of took the view it would be hell for a while but ultimately easier and cheaper, plus hopefully the kids would be very close. That's still my view, although I've obviously not been through it all yet!

Thank you for your help, Im going to phone citizens advice and speak to my boss.
I'll look into a nanny thanks

Congratulations and best wishes, I love the small gap but we have so many worries and stresses with money.
Thanks

You will manage, even though it doesn’t feel like it you will.

I had Dc1 & Dc2 12 months apart. I was due to return from maternity leave with Dc1 on dc2’s due date. My bosses were not happy and had some arguments and a battle but I received a full maternity package for Dc2. I had a retained placenta and surgery to remove after dc2’s birth but went on to have dc3 & Dc4 with out having it happen again.

It’s full on having a close gap, tiring and at times stressful but many positives too. Mine are very close, they played together, potty training etc was easier as they all wanted to be like their older siblings. Now at school it works well too. I found I have bought far less, a lot of stuff is handed down to siblings so far ( will change as older). I went on to have 4 under 4, it’s not easy and at times admittedly I was at the end of my tether, but you manage. I received so many comments many negative however I see friends now having babies with 5 & 6 year age gaps and think their mad. Financially it has been tough and with Covid, brutal. I did not return to my job, but have become a sahm and studying part time with a view to going into teaching when youngest starts school. Childcare was costly until their free hours at 3 along with logistics as few providers where we are and husband worked away at the time.

I have an 18 month gap between DC2 and 3, so a few months more than you. If you’re going to have a 15 month gap then would it not be best to go back to work for a few months before DC2 to get SMP? I went back for 5 months in between so I’d still get paid and told them I was not returning this time.

I’ve found the small age gap easier than the bigger age gap between DC1 and 2 (nearly 3 years) as DC2 is still young enough that they can be easily entertained at home when DC3 is having a fussy day, whereas with the bigger age gap DC1 took more of my attention and time to keep occupied. It’ll all be worth it when they (hopefully) play nicely and keep each other entertained.