Family Planning
Now that you have experienced giving birth to your first child, you may be considering having another baby. But before you rush into anything, you need to remember that pregnancy is an emotional time, as well as a physically exhausting event. Recovering from giving birth is not a fast process and may take a few months. It is common for you to feel tired and to have soreness and pains throughout your body. Remember, it took 9 months for you to get to this point, so it may take some time for your body to fully recover.
How long is too long?
Once your body has fully recovered, you may wonder how long is too long to wait to have another baby. There are both advantages and disadvantages to having children close in age, or far apart in age.
9 months to 2 years
Having babies back-to-back is hardest on parents in the early years because of the time and attention young children require. Most importantly, having another baby so close to giving birth can be very hard on your body. Talk to your doctor about how long you need to wait.
2½ to 4 years
Most parents will wait between 2½ years and 4 years before trying to get pregnant with their second child. By this time, your first child will be able to go to preschool or have play dates, which makes it easier on you to give both children the attention they need. However, it may be hard to have some sort of routine with your new baby if you have to work around an older child’s schedule.
5 or more years
It is very common for mothers to want a second child after waiting for five or six years. If the older child is gone most of the day, you will be able to focus your attention on the baby, rest, and still have enough energy for the older child. However, most parents choose not to wait this long because they worry that their children won’t have a close relationship.
No matter what the age difference is between your children, the most important thing is that you give each child the same amount of attention. Make them feel special and unique. This will make them feel good about themselves and their siblings.
Contraception
It is normal to not want to have another baby, whether you planned your first pregnancy or not. There are many methods available, such as birth control pills, that can help prevent you from getting pregnant. To find out which method is best for you, please call your doctor or call 1-800-251-BABY (2229).
