If you are pregnant with your second baby, you likely feel ready for the challenges of pregnancy and birth. You’ve been through it all once, so you know what to expect. Each pregnancy is unique and there are some challenges that are unique to second, or subsequent pregnancies. Most mothers of more than one child will tell you that it is normal to feel even more tired during a second pregnancy. You are now a mother, unlike the first time around. If you stay home with a toddler or preschooler, you won’t have the luxury of resting and putting your … Continue reading →

Sibling classes are offered at hospitals around the country. Your hospital may offer a class to help prepare older brothers and sisters for the arrival of their new siblings. You may be wondering if you should sign your child up for one of these classes. I took my oldest child to a sibling class when I was pregnant with my second daughter. Since she was only 21 months old at the time, I don’t know how much she got out of the experience. She did have a lot of fun at the time, so I guess it was worth it. … Continue reading →

For her entire life, you toddler has had you all to herself. Depending on her age, she may or may not understand your pregnancy and what it means for your family’s future. Once the new baby is born, however, there’s no question her life is going to change. She may love it and become mommy’s little helper, but what if she has a hard time adjusting? How can you help your toddler adjust to being a big sister or a big brother and help encourage a strong bond between the two new siblings? It starts during your pregnancy, of course. … Continue reading →

Many pregnancies are unplanned, but if you have opportunity to decide when you want to have a baby, how do you go about making that decision? How do you know when it is the right time to start a family? Often the first factor that people consider is money. Can you afford to get pregnant? Can you afford diapers, baby clothes, gear, child care and other costs associated with having a baby? The answer is not black and white because the costs of having a baby can vary so much from one family to the next. For example, if one … Continue reading →