Preparing to Have a Second Child You Need to Know

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Preparing to Have a Second Child You Need to Know
Preparing to Have a Second Child You Need to Know
Anonim

The presence of a second child not only adds to the joy in the family, but also your responsibility as a parent. In order to be more ready to live it, more careful consideration and preparation is needed before you and your partner agree to add a baby

The presence of a second child will definitely bring many changes in the family, starting from the cost of living for the needs of the Little One to the parenting pattern of the first child. This is certainly a challenge for parents. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you and your partner are physically and mentally ready before deciding to have a second child.

Preparation for Having a Second Child You Need to Know - Alodokter
Preparation for Having a Second Child You Need to Know - Alodokter

5 Things to Prepare When You Want to Add a Baby

The following are some things that you and your partner need to consider and prepare before deciding to have a baby:

1. Mother's age

If you are under 30 years old and have no he alth problems or complications during your previous pregnancy, your chances of conceiving a second child will be safer.

However, if you are over the age of 35, the chances of getting pregnant again may be more difficult or you will be more at risk of complications during pregnancy, such as miscarriage and gestational diabetes.

Several studies also show that the older the mother is during pregnancy, the higher the risk for the fetus to develop congenital abnormalities. Therefore, you should consult a gynecologist if you want to get pregnant again even though you are no longer young.

2. The right time to get pregnant with your second child

The ideal distance between birth and the next pregnancy is about 2 – 4 years. This is because the birth distance that is too close is very risky for the he alth of the mother and fetus in the womb.

You need to know, a woman's body needs time to adjust and be ready to conceive again. If you are forced to get pregnant in the near future, then you will be at risk of experiencing placental disorders, especially if the previous delivery was by caesarean section.

Besides that, the birth spacing that is too close also puts the second child at risk of being born prematurely.

3. Financial ability

In addition to physical and mental conditions, financial condition is also one thing to consider before you and your partner decide to have a second child. By adding children, the cost of living for the family will certainly increase.

Reconsider your financial condition and prepare the costs for the main needs when the second child is born, such as milk, baby supplies, immunizations, to the cost of education later.

If you are currently still actively working, then discuss again with your partner whether later you will continue to work or want to focus on taking care of the children.

4. Couple readiness

It is undeniable, the presence of a second child will certainly take up most of you and your partner's time. Therefore, it is important to check whether your partner is ready to have another child.

If one of you is not sure or ready, then there is no need to force yourself to have a second child in the near future.

5. The readiness of the first child to become an older sister

The presence of a sister can make the first child happy or even nervous and jealous of his sister because the attention of his parents is divided. However, this problem is usually only temporary. You can try to be understanding and teach your first child to be a good big brother. What you can do is:

  • Ask his opinion, what if there is a new baby coming. You can also find out how ready your first child is by watching how he reacts when he interacts with other newborns.
  • Take your first child with you when preparing various equipment or choosing items for your sister-to-be's room.
  • Include your first child to accompany you during your prenatal check-up. This can give her understanding that she will become an older sister.
  • Invite your first child to interact with the potential sibling in your tummy by saying “hi” or “hello”.
  • Teach and tell your first child slowly about the role and ways to be a good big brother.

The decision to have a second child is a big decision that must be carefully prepared and thought out.

Besides needing to prepare some of the things above, another aspect that is no less important is your he alth condition to get pregnant with your second child. For that, try consulting a gynecologist to find out if your body is ready for a second pregnancy.

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