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You're only getting over your first baby and you're being asked - or indeed the thought crosses your mind - about the second. But when is the right time to plan the next one, and do you cope?
ARE YOU UP TO IT? Even if your body seems back to normal within weeks, it will probably be up to a year before it's fully returned to its pre-pregnancy state.
Coping with a second baby A new baby brings a serious change in lifestyle: one that some parents adapt to more quickly than others. Many mothers love having a newborn around and yearn for another baby as soon as the first one is sitting up.
Other mums find the early months of broken nights exhausting and don't relish the prospect of doing it all again, while some like to cosset one baby right through to school age before considering getting pregnant again. But for more and more families these days, the reason for delaying a second baby is of a far more practical nature - the finances simply won't stretch to it!
THE STANDARD FAMILY A two-to four-year gap between children is considered normal, but even if getting pregnant and having a baby was plain sailing the first time, it won't necessarily be the same the second time. You're older, probably more tired physically and, as with any pregnancy, there's still a risk of miscarriage.
If the preferred two-year gap does stretch to three or more, you may secretly be relieved, in retrospect, because the first child was just that little bit more independent when the second was born.
The pros *Your body is likely to be fully recovered after your last pregnancy. *It's easier to explain the new baby to the toddler, even before the birth. *Your older child may go to nursery school, giving you some peace and quiet with the baby. *Your children will have similar interests. *Your friends are probably also having second babies and, eventually, all the children will be able to play together.
The cons *Two and three-year-olds are prone to tantrums, which can be difficult to cope with when you have a demanding baby. Toddlers remember well what it was like to have their mum and dad all to themselves, and are still independent, so they may be jealous of their younger brother or sister.
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