What do I need to consider when deciding if I am ready to have a baby?

Question

I feel ready but I am not 100% confident. How do I know when I am really ready?

Answer 1

People have children all the time without being ready for them. I don't think you can ever be 100% ready for children - It's a learning experience. So just the fact that you are aware of what things you need to consider before having kids is a great sign. Just enjoy this next stage in your life. Good Luck!!

Answer 2

When we thought we were ready to have children, everyone said, "there isn't, A Good Time to have kids", Some said you should wait until after you've been successful, but there's always something going on, that if you choose to find an excuse, you could.I don't think waiting is the question, the question should be, are you ready to sacrafice EVERYTHING, including yourself.
I had my first 15 years ago, I was soo young, not ready at all, but he has turned out to be such a wonderful person, ever thing a parent could want. Handsome, tall, smart, well rounded, loving, careful... After my first, I then waited... for 11 years after he was born, and made the decision, Financially, Physically, Mentally I was ontop of my game, my life couldn't have been in a more perfect place. Great job, great money, house, cars, saving, and, what I thought, the perfect person to have a child with. So it seemed to be a perfect time. I lost everything 2 years later, not because of my choice to have another child, because of some bad investment advice. House, cars, saving, health, but We've gotten through it and just lately I've made the desision I would love to have another. Ooh by the way, did I mention I'm a single father, so I'm only waiting for God to put the right women in my life to Marry first. I have Full custody of my first son, his mother decidded it was too much and left us when he was 5... I have, 1/2&1/2 custody with my 4 year old, his mother is my bestfriiend. If I had to give any advice, I'd say this... I am so fortunate that I had developed such a strong friendship with my 2nd. son's mother, Make sure, married or not, you make the decision to have you child with someone you could continue to be friends with, even if the romance leaves, and they leave, it's happned to better people then me, and the child either isn't too affected by it (my situation with my 2nd. son) or they grow up having problems, and you having huge medical bills from sending your child to a shrink(my 1st born)...
Do you really think, no matter what, that your choice in the father or son of your child, will be there in friendship if the relationship disolves?
'Cause no matter what, the child, from the moment of conception, is your first and only priority, FOREVER.
"They Say"... "God only loans us his children for us to raise, It's our jobs as their parents to do the absolutely BEST to raise them for HIM..."
Good Luck in your choice... You'll know if it's right, there are NO accidents, only God's Plans...

Answer 3

You need to be economically prepared to raise the child, solid in a relationship so you wont have to raise the child on your own, and be happy that you have spent enough time doing what you want in life because from that point forward you will be spending your life doing things and giving up things (like sleep) for your child. Do not bring a child into the world just out of maternal instinct. Be ready in each of these ways and dont have a baby and expect your mom and/or dad to raise the child for you. When you are ready in these ways I mention then you are ready.

Answer 4

First of all are you married? Not only will you need someone to help you take care of your new baby, but you will need tons of support for yourself.
Also, if you are the least bit selfish, then forget it. A baby gets it all! They demand eveything you have and more, so if you aren't ready to give up everything for your child then don't have a baby.
I would lay down my life for my daughter. I've also willingly given up many things for what I believe to be her best interests. I do not regret any of those decisions one bit. I can not imagine life without her.
But.....please, if your not ready.....don't let one more little one get hurt by being stuck in the middle between two parents who can't get along, or what ever else it may be.
Over all, just think about your own experience growing up. Was it good or bad. Do you think you could provide everything that a baby will expect of you? Anyway, those are just my thoughts, hope they helped, if not ignore them. - Wolfstar

Answer 5

That you are confident about having one and so should your mate because if he isn't ready, you both can't be ready because its kind of like a 2-person job. And the child needs both their parents because one day when he/she's friends at school talks about both of their parents, your child may just come home and ask "where is dad"? And then what will happen next? So if you really want a baby, both parents have to be up to the job to do that.

Answer 6

If you feel ready, You are ready. You would never been 100% confident. That's how a woman feels when we think we are ready.
Don't worry so much, let things fall into place.

Answer 7

Congratulations and You only need love to be the best Mother. You trust your own gut and ask yourself the same question over and over again then you can make up your own mind.If you want to know more there are so many info on the nets and people around always helpful and public seem to like a pregnant mom. I wish you the best and be good to yourself and your future baby if you want ot be a mom.I am sure you will feel that you are the most lucky woman in this world.

Answer 8

Being out of shape for 9 months; Labor Pains; Getting up in the middle of night to change a dirty diaper and heat up a bottle unless you're breast feeding and if that's the case consider more pelvic and breast pain; being tired; not having time for yourself; possible post traumatic stress; and when you feel 100% confident, please make sure that you have a wedding ring on your finger or at least have someone helping you financially with your little bundle because they don't stay little forever, because you're stuck with baby until the legal age. So don't get it twisted girlfriend, make sure your are prepared mentally; financially; and physically. Remember "A hard head makes a soft a*s!"I could go on and on but usually people are going to do what they want to do anyway. But I'm glad that you're reaching out for advise. At least you're asking questions. Be safe!

Answer 9

I had my first child at 19, I was married already, and happy. So, I don't feel that age has a lot to do with it, if you are in a happy, stable relationship, and the two of you feel like it's time, then go for it. I do have to say, that you basically have to be ready to live your life for someone else, because if you are a responsible mother, your kids come first, most of the time. Good luck.

Answer 10

Dear beejay
1st i want to encarage you for this great step, you know, i feel all the time that every baby comes to this world will bring with him more blessings to his family so yeah go for it.about your Q there is no test to do so you know that u r ready and you will not be sure 100%, but do u know when you will know that u r ready :) when you see this baby in ur hands and you feel him for the first time, then you will be 10000% that u r ready and you want to give him all the love in the world ....