Hi Ladies,
I am after honest accounts of what life is like going from 2 to 3 kids.
with only 14 months between my first two, I found that time very difficult and suffered from PPD. Even thinking back on that time makes my stomach turn, I was in a really dark place, and found it so hard to cope with daily life. Even though I had a supportive husband and family, I have never felt more lonely in my life than in that time.
fast forward a couple of years, I am in a much better head space, my kids are almost 4 and 3 and I feel mentally ready for our next baby. Currently half way with baby no 3, however I am starting to doubt myself as a mum, and worried i wont be able to give my 3 children the love and attention they all need, plus keep myself mentally healthy in the process.
I guess I'm just after advice really from families with 3+ children... How do you manage? I have a pretty good routine going with my kids at the moment but scared that will all change when a new baby enters the picture.
Sorry for rambling
Thanks x
4 Replies
Going from 1 to 2 is far worse than 2 to 3 I personally found. When you add the 3rd child the older two are already used to sharing your time. I also try and make it a thing that I do atleast one one on one thing with each of my 3 each week so they have their one on one time aswell.
Oh God, why am I answering this! Here goes.
My first baby had undiagnosed silent reflux, it was hell. I only slept sitting up with my daughter lying on my chest for 20 minutes at a time.
18 months later we had our second child. He was a very quirky child from day one. Loud noises scared the living daylights out of him, unexpected touch would produce exacerbated reflexes. It turned out he had many developmental delays.
Once we realised our second child had special needs at 18 months old I was pregnant with our third child. Our 3rd child also had reflux AND special needs. He has seen speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists and a few other therapists I'm sure I'm missing.
It was about this time that I had to start working to support our families expensive therapy needs. Life was tough to say the least. I learnt to work on naps and lots of coffee!
2 years later we had another happy little accident who is also suffering silent reflux. She is 3 and a half now and still has horrible reflux if not on medication.
In the past 9 years or so I can honestly say I have only slept a full night when I'm away from the kids. Despite all this I cannot say I would change a thing. My kids are amazing. Exhausting, but amazing.
I have had to make sure I make time for myself and seek professional mental health care when appropriate.
I have an amazing Village helping me raise my children from family to friends to therapists.
Make sure you have a tribe around you who loves you and supports you and your family.
I’m in a similar position with 2 kids 18 months apart, half way through baking the third! Honestly everyone says adding the third they slip right into the routine having said that I’m crazy scared too!! Just wanted to let you know your not alone and you’ve (we’ve) got this mumma! 💜💜💜
Busier and more expensive lol don't get me wrong I wouldn't change it but there's the truth of it! If life is good with 2 and you're mentally in a good space then why change it..enjoy the 2 you have..best of luck with whatever you choose :)