How To Know When You’re Ready To Have Another Baby

Suddenly missing those long nights when you have to feed your baby every two hours? Or those days when you have to secretly roll down the bed to clean the room or fold the clothes when the baby’s asleep?

I got pregnant with my second baby two years after my first born. Truth be told, the feeling of excitement wasn’t same as my first. I had lots of worries and questions in my head! I think it’s too early for another child. I haven’t spent enough time with my first born yet. Is she ready to be a big sister? Am I ready to take care of a newborn and a toddler?

Welcoming another baby into the fold is not entirely a walk in the park. Most especially if the birth gap isn’t too big. How could you know when you’re ready to have another baby? Read this list to help you decide!

 Did Your Ob-Gyne Give You A Go Signal?

Before trying to conceive, check with your ob-gyne if you can proceed to another pregnancy. You might have to be tested for your sugar levels, possible viral infections, and Vitamin D deficiency. Your doctor may even advise you to undergo a pap smear, if necessary.

My OB, Dra. Michelle Dado of Dr. Jesus Delgado Memorial Hospital, advised birth control right after our first child. But because I was young, healthy, (and I didn’t take the pills she prescribed. Hihi) and my daughter Amaria was really growing up well and healthy too, she was happy to know I was bearing another child. Doctors give good medical advises but they are always happy to welcome another angel on Earth.

 Are You Ready Emotionally?

Emotional readiness is another important consideration before deciding to have another baby. Going through another pregnancy means another round of hormone-induced emotional outbursts. You will have to be ready to deal again with a lot of crying and sudden mood swings.

However, do note that every pregnancy is different. What you have experienced during your first pregnancy might not be the same case as your succeeding ones. Even though you might argue that you are currently stable emotionally, you cannot argue the case that you are going to be free from emotional outbursts – especially during your first trimester.

As for me, I always say that if it is God’s will, I will accept it. So no matter how emotionally and mentally prepared I thought I was when I learned that I was pregnant again, I dropped all the doubts and focused on nothing but preparing myself 100% for my new baby.

Is Your First Born Ready To Be A Big Sister/Brother?

Getting your firstborn to accept your second child should be another point of consideration.

We all heard about those stories where the older child tirelessly makes life miserable for their younger sibs. Before those nightmares become a reality in your household, you can make sure that older children are accepting of another child inside the house.

I am lucky to have one very excited big-sister-to-be! It’s always such a heart-melting moment having your firstborn massages your growing tummy, talking to the baby inside and very enthusiastic and excited to finally meet her. Early and proper mind setting is the key! Talking to them, setting expectations with them and preparing them for the coming of the new member of the family is a must. They need it and you owe it to them. Believe me, it actually does work!

 Can Your Current Finances Handle Raising Another Baby?

Let’s face it. In this day and age, having and raising a child can be expensive. First, you would have to raise funds for your delivery and possible expenses for the arrival of your newborn. Then, of course, you would want your children to go to a good school and have extra-curricular activities, provide the best learning materials and stuff. And how about family travels? Right now, you may already be adding up these numbers in your head.

That is a good exercise. Planning for all possible expenses before your child’s arrival can save you from financial-related headaches in the future. Don’t ever forget to communicate with your partner, your husband. Yes, you will bear and nurture the child but he will take most of the burden for financial responsibilities on their basic needs.

All done? Checking all the boxes on this list can be the first step towards finalizing your decision to have another baby. You may also want to consult with trusted friends and family members before jumping in the water.

Let me know if you’d like to hear more of my “Having Another Baby” journey. I would be happy to share and chat with you about the struggles and rewards of it in the comments!

Love,

Momma Nish