Birth of a Second Child

The happiness and love that your first baby brought into your life is beyond measure, and now you're thrilled to learn you are expecting another child. Although you've been through pregnancy and childbirth before, you now have added responsibilities and considerations in order to prepare for your second child.

Fortunately, preparing for a second child can be as rewarding and special as the first time. Helping your older child understand what to expect can lessen anxiety for both of you, and being aware of the changes involved in having a second child is the best way to prepare for this joyous event.

What Will Change?

Bringing about a second child and handling two children can be a bit overwhelming at first . Getting organized before the baby is born is your best bet, even though that might be a bit more challenging than it was the first time around.

Because your time will be restricted, you'll be busier - your once organized schedule may be stretched to the limit. Sleeping and meal schedules will fluctuate and will depend on the age of your older child.

You may also tire more easily, even before the baby is born, since caring for your older child while pregnant takes a lot of energy. After the birth, the first 6 to 8 weeks can be particularly demanding, because your main job will be trying to get your infant on a feeding and sleeping schedule, while anticipating your older child's needs and changing emotions.

One positive change that a second child brings is an increased confidence in your own abilities, knowledge, and experience. That is, the things that seemed so difficult with your first child - breast-feeding, changing diapers, handling illness - will seem like second nature to you instead of a full-blown crisis.

How Will It Affect You?

Bringing home a new baby will affect you in many ways - some physically and others emotionally. Increased exhaustion and mild anxiety is a normal occurrence after having a child.

The "baby blues" can be a frightening experience, but you don't have to endure feelings of depression by yourself. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. It's important to differentiate between a simple case of the "baby blues," which usually passes within a few weeks, and postpartum depression, a serious disorder that can lead to mood and sleep problems if untreated. If you begin to feel very depressed or anxious, or have thoughts about harming yourself or your baby, seek the help of your doctor immediately.

Physically, you are likely to be sore and very tired, particularly if you had a difficult birth or cesarean delivery. This makes all-night feeding sessions especially tough for you, if you have decided to breast-feed your child.

Seeking the help of a postpartum "doula" during the day can allow you to catch up on sorely needed rest and sleep. A postpartum doula is a specially trained woman who cares for mother and baby during the first couple of weeks after delivery.

If you work outside the home, you may be unsure about the future of your career. Making a decision about whether to return to your job is an important one; enlist the support of your family and friends when weighing all of your options.