I'm not sure whether to have a second child...

[BeGreenSwan]

I'm 27, married and a sahm. I have a beautiful and wonderful 20 month old!

Motherhood was a shock to me at the start but I love motherhood so much.

I would like some advice for women on this forum.

Reasons I want a second:

• I want a baby - I can't stop thinking about life with 2 kids, especially in the future when it gets easier.
• I want a larger age gap - 4 years. To work on my health, fitness etc before pregnancy
• My husband says money is not an issue
• I want my daughter to have a sibling... yeah i know siblings don't get along all the time but I'm thinking its beneficial when shes older
• I think id regret having just one

Reasons I want one:

• Pregnancy was tough - nausea , pelvic pain, iron deficiency ( I wasn't that healthy beforehand)
• Ive heard mums of one say it's easier... but the thought of just having one in the future makes me feel sad
• Sleep deprivation isnt great - but i would co sleep from day 1 with my 2nd baby to make it easier
• Birth - stitches, extreme pain. I felt uncomfortable in the hospital so would have a home birth
• We have a 2 bedroom flat in London but will be moving to a house in 8 years
• Worried about a difficult baby- colic, sleeps really badly...

Advice?!

Sounds like you are mostly “for”. Being a sahm is a risk though in case the marriage fails - will you return to work? Maybe go back for a year and accrue some mat leave benefit and reduce the gaps in your cv?

I'm going to start childminding this year and hopefully work in childcare in the future. :) My husband is a good man and I have a investment savings account that he puts money into.

Agree with PP. I’d say have a second baby, the things you have on the con list are all so short lived. I’d want some independence though just in case and would also go back to work in some form (even if it’s just 2/3 days a week).

Great idea, I know some people who have done well in childminding and then gone on to run yoga classes and all sorts of stuff as little side businesses

so There is nothing stopping you OP - enjoy your little family and let it grow.