Momma's of children close together in age only please :- )?

Question

I want my children close together in age (about 10-13 months) because it is what works best for my family right now! It is something that I definitely want, my question to other mothers who have done it is...how did it take a toll on your body. Were the emotions worse, the recovery worse, etc. please let me knwo what your body and mind went through from back to back pregnancies (I don't need any info on how tough it will be to raise two children close in age). Thanks!!

Oh sorry, guess I should add details...
I currently have an eight week old and want my children very close in age and now is the perfect time because my husband and I will both be home full time to take care of the children. And with my first one, I had a great pregnancy, no morning sickness, no problems, and I only gained 20 pounds...so I can just hope my second would be as easy

Answer 1

I have 5 - 12, 5, 3, 2, and 10 mo. My 10-mo-old has DS. My 3 and 2 year old are 13 months apart. So I'll speak from my experience with them. The pregnancies were fine - no morning sickness ever, just some nausea from time to time. A lot of fatigue, but I napped when my baby napped. My husband was pretty good about accepting our house wasn't going to be spotless. I did find making organization a priority helped TREMENDOUSLY!!!! It makes every little job easier, and sometimes it was all I could do to get through the day energy wise. But you know, that's okay, because it's just a season. It won't always be such hard work. And it's good work, just hard. The emotions were only harder from the standpoint of being more tired, so I had less to work with. Physically, I did have to go to a chiropractor for a year after my now 2-year-old was born. I did have some sciatica from time to time. Honestly, I could have lessened a lot of that if I would have controlled my weight better and exercised. Stretching and back and abdominal exercises make a HUGE difference. Our bodies are designed to be able to do this kind of work, so I don't think having children close together is an unnatural thing we are expecting of our bodies. I did have to stop breastfeeding my now 3-year-old when I got pregnant with the next one, because my body wasn't making enough milk. That is the only time I have had that problem. My midwife said I should be able to do both, but my body (and my baby) told me otherwise. The recovery was fine, but it is important that your hubby can handle managing the household and your older baby exclusively for a week or two so you can just focus on riding the wave of postpartum adjustment and get on your feet before entering back into the reality of your demanding life of two little ones. It helps so much to feel completely recovered before stepping back into the role of keeper of your home. God bless you.

Alyson (New to Group)

Answer 2

I have three kids, and my last two children are 13 months apart (which I love having them so close!!) - but to answer your question. I was definitely VERY sick of being pregnant by the time I gave birth to my last one, lol! But other than that, my emotions were about the same as the previous pregnancy, I was probably more tired but thats about it. I was also in maternity clothes a lot sooner as my body had not completely bounced back from my previous pregnancy. I don't think it made my body any worse than if I had spaced them out. If anything it was better because I cranked the kids out, knew I was done, and could concentrate on getting back in shape and staying that way. Plus, having two young babies the weight flew off, who has time to eat, lol!! :)

I know you didn't ask for this but I can give you many pros on having the kids close in age. When you have your newborn, the older child is still a baby and will nap regularly, so you still get breaks during the day. As they grow up, they'll be close enough in age they'll have the same age appropriate interests, so there will be little fighting over TV shows, places to go, etc. I got the whole diaper thing/waking up at night thing done in one whole swoop. I could go on and on.

I wish you the best of luck, hope all goes according to plan!!

Answer 3

My children are 18 months apart. I think, emotionally, I was about average. No real problems It was difficult trying to explain to my eldest that Mommy couldn't pick him up for a while, but he seemed to be ok with it and was excited about the new baby. However, my body did take a toll. My stomach muscles never had a chance to regain elasticity and it has been a problem ever since. I also didn't have a chance to fully lose all my baby weight before having the second, which made it even harder to lose weight after the second. Still, my kids have an incredible bond and are great playmates. Also, once I got them both out of diapers and potty trained, that was it. I never have to do it again. I, too, wanted mine close together, I did it and I love it.

Answer 4

I have three children (two boys and a girl) and had them in three years time. They are very close in age and while it was difficult at first, I wouldn't change a thing now. They are 4, 3 and 1 1/2 and the best of friends. They don't like to be separated, and they do everything together. I figure if you're diapering one bum, you might as well diaper two! I think it makes a lot of things easier since the kids experience things one right after another. Potty training for instance - as soon as one is trained, the next one is interested. As far as the toll physically and emotionally, I think you do your best to give as much of yourself to each child whether they are close in age or not. I bounced back just fine with each one. My body isn't what it used to be, but whose is after three kids??? I weigh what I did when I first became pregnant, but the weight has shifted! All in all, I think you need to do what is best for your family. If having your kids close together is what works, then I say go for it! Just be patient with yourself and remember that Momma's are human too! Good luck!

Answer 5

I have 3 boys that are 6, 7, & 16. My two youngest boys are 11 months apart. The first of them was an emergency c-section and the 2nd was natural.

I had some medical problems during the first pregnancy but no problems during my 2nd pregnancy. My body and mind were just as it were with the other pregnancies, nothing unusual.

For me it wasn't that tough taking care of 2 babies. The youngest followed the older one in everything they did. They are best friends, they play sports together and they love each other dearly. The best thing about it is they always have someone to play with.

Answer 6

I have three children and they are all back to back(12, 13, and 14 now... 12 months and 27 days between the older two and 11 months and 15 days between the younger two). I didn't plan them that way, that is just how it happened... Physically, being so tired all the time, between being pregnant and caring for an infant was the worst for me... My recovery time for all of them was about the same... Emotionaly, it was hard, but I was alone all day with all three of them while hubby worked and I never seemed to get enough sleep so that made me more emotional....
From someone that has BTDT, GOOD LUCK!

Answer 7

Mine are 12 months apart. Now its great at age 2 and 3 as they play together. Although it was very very hard being pregnant and having a 3 month old. It didnt ease up until they were 1 and 2, sleeping thru the night, and eating the same foods. Only do it if you have a good support system - spouse and friends and family around to help you out.

Answer 8

I liked it (2 boys 12 months apart) because it was nice to get it over with. However, you have to be careful to lose your baby weight before you get pregnant again or you will most likely be huge after your next pregnancies. Also, it was a little difficult breastfeeding while pregnant. Overall, my first pregnancy was more difficult than my first, but now that I have a 2 and 3 year old (boys, no less) that's the least of my worries!

Answer 9

I think what you do between your pregnancies is more important than the time in between them, as far as your body concerns go. If you are able to exercise regularly, do so.

Everyone's body is different. My four children are all slightly more than two years apart, and I did notice that for me it was a bit harder to get back into shape after each delivery. On the other hand, my sister-in-law just had her fourth baby boy (her children are 3 years, 2 years, 11 months, and 3 weeks) and she is already looking like she was never pregnant. Neither of us had any emotional issues, unless you count the fact that she three kids in diapers at once ;-). (They are joint business owners with very flexible hours, which makes raising their children much easier on them, as they can both be home when they need to be).

The fact that you and your husband will both be home will make all the difference. You'll be able to get the sleep you need to, especially if you rotate who's on kid duty and allow for plenty of naps. Also, considering your current positive attitude, I think you'll be able to handle any potential emotional issues just fine.

Best of luck!

~Kyanna

Answer 10

Mine are 15 months apart... My body handled it but after the second one I had really bad post-partum depression. BUT I went to the doc got some help and we wouldn't take back having two kids so close together. They are the best of friends and are 2 & 3 now!