If anyone is nervously awaiting their second child

[acrosstheoceans]

I had my second a few weeks ago, I struggled massively with the newborn stage with my first and it took me a while to get the nerve to even try for a second. My husband and me barely made it through our first. I felt terrified and anxious and chronically sleep deprived. I hated the newborn stage and desperately wished it away. My husband and I spent the entire pregnancy saying it'll be just survival for the first few months and reassuring ourselves that we can get through it and it'll pass.

I just wanted to shed some hope because I can't be alone feeling this way, but I've been so shocked by the reality. I am just on cloud nine. None of the breastfeeding issues second times around, I feel like I know what I'm doing. I'm not constantly scared and doubting that I'm doing it right. Being a newborn mum again feels so natural. I made it easier for myself this time around, I've co-slept since day dot, no stress with apps logging each feed, allowing myself to introduce formula if bf was too much (haven't needed to though), trusting my instincts more. My older child has mainly adjusted so well, a few niggles as expected. I just feel like I could do this forever.

No baby blues, no sleep deprivation, just absolute happiness. I remember reading threads on here about how hard going from 1 to 2 is when I was heavily pregnant so I thought I'd just share how it's been the absolute opposite so far for me incase it reassures anybody

And before anyone says it, I know it's only early doors but I'm grabbing the moment while I can

So happy to hear this! I'm due any day now with #2 and the though of all that sleep deprivation again makes me feel funny! That was my main issue the first time - no sleep! Fingers crossed for one who stays down more than a few hours this time! Xx

Thank you, Op. Reading this helped a lot more than you could imagine. I am only 15 weeks pregnant with my second, but I am already bracing for impact.

Thanks for this, I'm due my second in a few weeks' time so lovely to read this :)

Oh god, thanks so much for sharing. Gonna keep this at the forefront of my mind! Mine are going to be very close together and I'm nervous!

Funnily enough while wondering whether to have a third I read an article that said it’s hardest to go from no children to 1, but then most people find going from 1 to 2 really easy as you know what you’re doing and you feel a lot more relaxed. Apparently going from 2 to 3 is the hardest number of children but we’ve decided to anyway 😂

Thanks OP, I'm due my second in a week and feeling very anxious. Had terrible pnd first time round and it's taken me four years to get to this point again. Really good to hear about your positive experience

This is so nice to read, me and DH really struggled with the new born stage and sleep. Am very apprehensive for number 2! I’m 27 weeks along now. Thanks @acrosstheoceans

I totally needed to hear this! Absolutely hated the newborn phase so much that I didn’t want a second. Now 30 weeks with an unplanned second and the fear is setting in.

Thanks for this OP. Even if it’s not my experience at least I can have some hope for the next few days 😂😂

Love this, Thank you so much for sharing. Had a similar experience first time round and am due baby number 2 in June 🥰
Already finding pregnancy less anxious so hoping the newborn stage will be too x

Thanks so much for this. Having #2 next week and nerves setting in. Feel a lot less stressed in this pregnancy though so really praying that carries through. Congrats on your new baby 😘

Thank you so much for posting this, OP! I’m due tomorrow with DC2 with an 18 month old and have been anxious for months at the prospect of how different life will be.

Just came across this.... It's an old thread but so nice to read. Due my 2nd on Christmas eve and so much anxiety for so many different reasons. I hope all of you who posted 2 years ago now have thriving little toddlers 😃💛

I had the same experience as OP in the end! Everything was so much easier, I really enjoyed it second time round and mine were very close in age.

Going from 0-1 was rough, but 1-2 was amazing. Hoping for no3 now x

Wow that's great news! All the love and positive vibes for no. 3!! 😃

My experience is exactly the same. I had baby no 2 a few weeks ago and was worried - had an awful birth experience with DS1, breastfeeding was a struggle, he had a milk allergy and sleep was a thing of the past. This time it’s been the complete opposite in every respect and I’m really enjoying the newborn stage. 1-2 has been far far easier for me than 0-1 so if anyone is unsure about another then there is hope!

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