Are your really ready to even think about baby No. 2, I read your question Dec 26th? ? Ending marriage because of in laws and seeing things in your husband that you just don't like? No 2 can be really rewarding, but stressful too. Goodluck 

Relax, take some deep breathes, because you will find ways to cope!  I have 5 kids, all close together in age, and while I freaked out about how I was going to cope with each new addition, I found that instinct just took over and I have done better than I thought I would, and I get stressed very easily.

Trust in yourself and that you can do it, and things will go just fine.  It is amazing the strengths you will find once you make your decision.

I had three children under 4 with 2 yrs between 1 and 2 and 20 mths between 2 and 3.  Each pregnancy was different, with different levels of morning sickness, and each child handled the new baby differently.  With my last pregnancy I was sick from day 1 until 2 weeks after I gave birth and spent about 2 months making two trips to the DR for injections to stop the sickness.  It was really horrific and with a husband who was away a fair bit I had to figure it out.  I called on whatever family and friends I could.  When my hubby was home he prepared extra small meals for the older two so that I didn't really have to handle food (this was the worst for me).  My oldest daughter was also the best little helper I could have hoped for.  She would help get her brothers lunch for him and helped me to wash and put away the dishes.  Everthing else was just maintained as best I could.  The important things are you, your child and your unborn baby so just remember to look after these three and don't be too stressed about the rest.  Who knows you might get lucky and not suffer from morning sickness this time around :-)

I remember being really tired through pregnancy number 2 but you will be surprised how many cool and fun things you can do with your child that involves you sitting on the floor/couch/bed/back lawn and just letting them play.  They don't care what it is they are doing as long as it is with you and they have your attention.

As for the labour, while it is daunting no matter how many times you go through it, I'm sure you will remember the joy once it was all over so just focus on that until you have your new baby in your arms.  All the pain and worry will be forgotten soon enough.

Good luck with everything

Jen

my 2nd is due any day now and my daughter has been great  most of the time while i have been pregnant she is only two as well but she understands that mummy cant to as much as she used to [except for asking me to get up and down to get her things and when im 9 months pregnant thats easier said then done when this baby comes i will let you no then how i am coping with a toddler and a newborn

p.s for christmas i bought my daughter a lot of baby born stuff like baths and and nappies so she could feel involved doing the baby born stuff while im changing the baby

Hi,

I had my second when my first was neary two.  I was scared, that I wouldn't cope, and that I wouldn't love my second as much as my first.  The pregnancy was ok, I had low blood sugar a lot, and was always sick in the mornings.  I found it hard with a toddler, but you just have to rest when they do, and if tired go to bed early.  When no 2 arrived all fears were put too rest.  Of course the love was there. I found it a lot easier with no 2.  I think that because I was more confident with my mothering skills.

The baby just fitted into the routine of my toddler, obviously having more naps, and more feeds.  I would set up my toddler with a movie or some drawings to do while I was feeding.  The housework etc took a little downturn for a while, but my hubby and I had a deal. First kids then dinner if the rest gets done it's a bonus.  But it didn't take long to get into a routine. 

Good luck, and believe in yourself, you can do it.

My son James had not long turned 2 when I found I was pregnant again, his birthday is at the end of January.  If I was being sick James used to follow me and just stand by me, sometimes laugh and sometimes actually putting his hand on me as a comfort, he also used to copy me after I'd finish giving me something to smile about!  If I was tired, which luckily didn't happen much as was sleeping ok at night, I'd ask family/friends to look after James while I had an hour or so.  Do you have anyone that could do that?  Labour second time round was quicker if a little more painful but that may have been because I was induced 2 weeks early. 

Is there a playgroup that takes 2-3 yr olds nearby?  Some do and if you can get your little one in then do, I have Monday/Tuesday afternoons, 2 hours each day, for just me and Daniel, who was born in September.  Another good idea is to make time to be with the older one on a one to one basis even for a short time, I do it first thing in the morning before hubby goes to work, eventually James asks for Daniel then I go to him, or go to him before if he's crying.

While I was pregnant with Daniel I took James with me to every midwife appointment, they talked to him aswell and let him listen to heart beat, and every scan.   I talked to him and when started to get big let him touch and feel the kicks.  He has turned out to be a lovely brother, but does have his moments where he's a bit rough.

Hope this helps!

Ju x

there is 23 months between my 2. I suffered really bad morning sickess from day of conception to birth, i lost 30kg too.

how I coped. well tbh you just manage to. I threw up all day. having a playpen is a great thing or a lockable gate in the lounge. I had a playpen for Alex. but we lived in a old house and we couldnt have the lockable gates there, but when we moved here we got the lockable gates. it stoped Alex getting into the kitchen. Having a bucket with you at all times is good too. for food for bubs (2 year old) I always had ruskets by my side and those fruit chews and a jar of food. I also had a few bottles of juice and water next to me. load of kids vids as well.

labour second time round is a totally different thing. sadly it is the same as the first with the whole unknown (sorry to say that) My first labour was 100% natural and my second was induced.

the last one again is all up to the toddler. Alex was so happy to have a sister. we made a big deal about it from day 1 and made him apart of it. He had his time away with his aunty bec while I was in hospital and he loved coming up to see me and charlie. he came to our ultra sounds and we used to play the vidoe alot as well so when she was born he was very well acustomed to having her about. he used to bable to her in my tummy to.

basicly every day is a new day and we just do what needs to be done. getting the baby and toddler in the same routine is a good thing too. I had within 2 weeks charlie and Alex in the same sleeping routine so I slept when they slept.

Anything else u need help with just let me know. I also did all of this with very bad PND, but was lucky that my hubby worked over the road so if I needed something really bad he was there. i also was medicated for my PND

hey!! Well i was young having my 3 babies together. Ben was born when i was just 18 and then 17mths later Tyrone came into the world. I have to say, it was the best thing, yes i was sick every day while looking after a toddler , in and out of hospital being put on drips due to very bad morning sickness and times were hard BUT they grew up together and shared so much growing up.They were best friends and kept each other entertained, taught each other bad habits too! LOL .... I wouldnt change a thing having my 2 boys close together, the times we had together being young with a young family were the best times and then they even got better when i had my 3rd child  Temeka when Tyrone was 2 and a half. I thought my family was complete until 2 yrs ago and 12 yrs later we had Myah.....You will have tuff times but those GREAT times will make your hard times so worth it hunny. Go for it!!!!!

xxxx na

Well I can answer the 1st 2 the 2nd 2 I will be able to answer in a few months.

The morning sickness part is easy, when you go to throw up leave the toilet/bathroom door open that way you can hear what your son is doing and he can come and check up on you. My boy during this part would often come into the toilet with me and pat me on the back or try to give me a hug.

secondly try getting a reasonable not very tiring routine happening now such as, maybe doing dishes straight after dinner, or the washing overnight. Something simple and easy. Also who cares if you leave the dishes or toys scattered round the house for a day or 2, If your son is still napping and you are tired go for a nap while he does.