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We're Having Another Baby!

Welcoming Your Second Child

By Jessica Williams

Your first priority is to take care of yourself. You are not going to be able to care for a newborn and an older child if you don't get the sleep, nutrition and emotional support you need in the first few weeks. The best way to get your rest is to sleep when the baby sleeps. Don't try to catch up on the chores -- you can do that when the baby is awake or assign someone else to help you out. Keep a glass of water around at all times, and try to eat nutritious meals that will boost your energy.

Your body goes through a big adjustment after the baby is born. Postpartum depression is somewhat common, even if you didn't have it with your first child. Nursing will help with hormone levels, and keep you feeling close to your baby. Try to recognize depression that affects your activity level -- especially if you seem to be alienating your partner or older child. If this happens, talk to your doctor.

When birth experiences aren't what we hoped they would be, we tend to have resentment. A lot of women say that the first birth was the most difficult because they didn't know what to expect, but every birth is different -- just like every child is different. If your second child's birth wasn't perfect, try to appreciate the uniqueness of your new baby's entrance into this world instead of dwelling on how it should have been.

Nursing may also be completely different with this baby. Some babies seem to have an incredible desire to suck and take to the breast like pros. On the other hand, may babies need some coaxing and take more time to get the hang of it. Just because you may have experience nursing a baby doesn't mean everything will start off perfectly. Get the support you need and remember that your little one needs time to get it right.