Spacing between pregnancies

[emy]

Can you believe it - I have a 3 month old baby boy, and I am already thinking about my next baby. I should just be worried about the babe and taking care of myself.

Anyway, it is on my mind. I really want my son to have a sibling close in age, and I am interested in hearing from those who have children close together. In your experiences, what is too close, just right, etc? And how far are your children spaced? I want my body to sufficiently recover, but I'm thinking of trying in less than a year. I have read that you should wait a year... but I'm considering sooner...

Thanks!

 

[Momtoaaa]

Hi, My first 2 are only 13 months apart!!! It was not planned that way, but I am sooooooo glad that it happened. They are sooooo close!! It was alittle difficult at first, but then I had them taking naps, ect... at the same time and it all worked out well. I then had another child who is 3 years from my middle child. I would have loved to have her closer to the other 2 And now I am Pregnant with #4, and this one will be 5 years apart from my youngest. So all that to say....I would do it early Go for it!!!
Jennifer

 

[arogerson]

I know I read somewhere that it takes your body 18 months to recover from pregnancy. If you breastfeed, you may consider waiting until the baby is done nursing. Mine are 27 mo's apart and are very close so I don't think you need to worry about having them so close together. Enjoy your baby and let him have the center of your attention for awhile because two babies is ALOT of work, especially if you work outside the home. The most hectic time of my life was when I had a 27 mo old and a newborn and I only worked part-time. You have to make the decision though.

 

[Calico]

Mine are 2 years apart for the 1st 2 and then 2 yrs. 5 months with the 2nd and 3rd and this has worked out fine. They are all boys which I don't know is a factor in that or not. There are occasional flare up where one is left out of the loop by the other 2 but it works well. Yes, I did have 2 in diapers at one time but you deal with it. Like another poster said enjoy your baby while they are little they don't stay little for long. If you choose to have them 2 years apart then plan to start trying again around the year mark. 14 months (the 1st one's age) puts them right about 2 years apart. 18mo. put them about 2.6 years apart.

Hope that helps some

 

[christy g]

I have to agree. . .if you can do it, have your kids close together.

I am the oldest of six kids and we were all born within 7 years. It was a busy time for my mom but, I truly believe she loved every moment of it. Anyway, my point is that all six of us kids are wonderful friends. We are close enough in age that we share the same interests and even the same friends. Yet, we were all in different grades in school, so, we had enough separation to be our own person. I highly recommend having them close together.

 

[runathon]

Yea, I believe it. The same thing happened to me and Marci, except that Marci did go on to having another one and I did not!

My son is now 20 months old and I have come to my senses in deciding that I really don't want another one. I love being pregnant and having the baby but, financially...well, you know the rest. I also have 2 other children.

I still sometimes think about it and then reality strikes me hard and I come down from my cloud.

You sound just like me a few months back!

I say, give yourself a break. Wait at least a year or two, enjoy your present baby, hubby, life, etc. When you have more than one, it is tough. You enjoy it, but it is tough, nonetheless. I now have a first grader and a second grader and a 20 month old. School, tuition, uniforms, routines, homework, dinner, baths, projects, etc. are all part of that reality I was talking about. Just speaking from my own experience.

But, then again, God is in control.

Blessings from our home to yours...Runathon http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/lach.gif[/img]

 

[emy]

You all have brought up helpful points that I must consider. It is a huge decision. I guess I didn't KNOW how much I would LOVE having a baby. Yes, it is hard and I know I must take care of myself to be able to take care of him/them. But, nothing is going to happen until I get my period back and I don't know when that will happen! Anyway, my instincts are telling me that my little Maxwell is going to have a close baby brother. How close, time will tell... Thanks for sharing your personal feelings and experiences.

 

[MSJ]

Emy,
Our two youngest sons are 2 years apart, but it seems closer, because number 4 has Downs Syndrome and is developmentally closer to 15-18 months, depending on the skill. He is also very small. For the first time I have 2 in diapers. It is a challenging time for us, but it is also filled with a lot of laughter and joy. We are especially excited that our downs toddler has a little brother, because they will be buddies and competitors (in a healthy sibling way). Anyway, I am babbling somewhat incoherently--my point is that although close siblings may be a challange, there is also a lot of joy and it is a very short season of your life.

take care,
Maggie