Your Baby Week 47
It is hard to imagine that the tiny bundle you carried home from the hospital has turned into this noisy, active, ball of energy that you are constantly cleaning up after.
So little time!
As your first year as a new parent is coming to an end, you may find yourself further and further behind on everyday tasks. If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed lately, keep these tips in mind. Though your anxiety may be mounting at the thought of your to-do list, taking a moment to relax may actually make things easier. If you find yourself becoming anxious, just take a few breaths. When you are ready, think about all the things you feel pressured to accomplish, then focus on a few tasks that are the most important. Having a baby in the house means you won't have time to finish everything you had time to do before your little one was part of your household. Not only are there more chores, but there is less time to do them. If you find you need additional help, don't sweat it, most new parents do! And be sure you're getting enough rest. Though it may seem counterintuitive to lay down for a nap at the same time as your baby when there's so much to do, if you are well-rested you will probably be more productive in the hours that you are awake.
Should we have another baby right away?
As your baby approaches one year, you may find yourself contemplating the timing of another child. Some parents like the idea of having their children close together, while others find a longer break between births ideal.
While you may be weighing a multitude of factors, the good news is that in terms of your other children's development, researchers really haven't found any evidence that proves there is an ideal age range between siblings, so there is flexibility in the timing. The only things doctors do suggest is that you wait an entire year after your child's birth so that your body can recover from pregnancy.
If you are thinking of expanding your family, but aren't sure when you should start trying again, you and your partner can consider a number of factors in your decision making process. First, try to remember the beginning, with all the diaper changes and the nighttime feedings, and try to decide whether or not that is something you could handle while you have a toddler at home. Maybe you would prefer to wait until your child is off at school. For women, you may also want to check in with your body. If you don't feel ready to go through another pregnancy yet, that's okay! Chasing a toddler around while you have morning sickness and a growing belly isn't the easiest thing to do, and you may have to ask for more help this time than you did last time. On the other hand, having two children closer in age means you can reuse your baby gear and won’t have to start all over again in a few years. Whatever you decide, remember there's no evidence one way or another about how far apart you should space your children, so aim for whatever feels best to you.
