Having a second child
TW: PPD/PPA
This is kind of a vent and asking for opinions
During pregnancy (FTM) I had such bad anxiety while I was pregnant to the point I couldn’t be in a public place or a place with more than maybe 5 people otherwise I felt dizzy and hot which I thought would go away I t mostly did after pregnancy and during my pregnancy I kept having thoughts on what if I don’t love her but I saw her and loved her instantly I think I was awake the whole first night in our hospital room while everything was quiet just staring at her examining every single one of her little features, but whilst I was pp up I always just cried or grit my teeth and punched the bed or covered my ears and had some pretty dark thoughts I was just exhausted all she would have to do was stir not even cry and I’d be hysterical almost I think I possibly disliked her for a few months don’t get me wrong I loved her like nobody else, I also just felt so dark and alone even though I had lots of support, i know I most likely had ppd/ppa as much as I didn’t want to be around her I never wanted to be away from her and loved her so so much, we are out of the thick of it now she’s 6 months and I’m finally starting to feel okay, obviously i do get frustrated sometimes still but I’m finally okay! I was just wondering if anyone felt like that and went on the have a second child, is it easier in that aspect? I am so clucky and I would absolutely love for her to have a little brother or sister close in age but I don’t want to put myself through that again maybe I could handle that but I’m scared it will be worse, I guess I’m just here for advice and what your similar experiences were adding a second child, I’d really really love to but I just want to have a really good think about it first, I feel like I missed so much of the newborn stage because I was so worried about my whole life changing, being uncomfortable in my new body, working out how to care for a whole person and because a lot of that was a factor in the anxiety and depression then maybe it won’t be so bad a second time
I have 3 kids 1st is already a teen 2nd is 4 now And 3rd our April (born in Feb 33 weeker) Some days are tougher than others. Some days I just feel so overstimulated with the constant crying and tantrums both either the baby or 4 year old. My eldest has hit that "just leave me alone I'm too cool for you stage" haha Other days it's lovely seeing them bond. I can't say it's less stressful second time around because my 2nd was my hardest by far. She was colicky with purple crying and didn't sleep until we went to Tresillian at 9 weeks of age. It finally got better at 3...4months but even now she's a pocket rocket. But she's also the funniest. She says the craziest things and is our fearless energizer bunny. Maybe wait until your LO is 1...and reassess. Give yourself time to fully heal mentally, physically and emotionally ❤️