Listening to Your Body When Planning for Another Baby
When it comes to planning for another baby, listening to your body is crucial.
There is no ‘perfect time’ for any baby. When your next baby joins your family, it will be crazy, sleep deprived, messy, and, of course, incredible. Listening to any warning signs your body may be telling you before you conceive is important for your safety and the health of your new baby.
Living a healthy lifestyle and being active, eating well and feeling mentally well all positively contribute to the health and wellness of both you and your baby. another means more energy, and more potential pressure on your income and relationship with your partner. The more balanced your life is, the better you can cope with stress and any other disruptions.
Pregnancy puts a lot of strain on your body and emotions so be sure your body is in optimum health before you decide to try for another child. Here are some tips:
1. How long does it take to heal after birth?
Research shows that it takes at least 18 months for your body to fully recover after the birth of your child. Even if you had a straightforward delivery, wait at least a year before you conceive again. If you had a C-section or a complicated birth, its best to give yourself at least two years to physically recover.
2. Allow your hormones to get back to normal
It takes time for hormones to stabilise after birth. Your oestrogen and progesterone levels need to settle down before you think about conceiving as these control ovulation and affect fertility. Your healthcare practitioner will guide you after performing tests or ordering blood tests.
3. Give your body time to stabilise nutrient levels
Pregnancy affects every system in your body, and it needs nutrients to operate at its best. Iron, folic acid, and calcium are all used up in pregnancy and birth. Starting a second pregnancy without allowing your nutrients to replenish will affect your health, energy, and ability to conceive. Eating a healthy, balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, dairy and lean protein.
4. Mood matters
Everyone has times when they feel down or anxious and that’s ok. If you are crying a lot, isolating yourself, avoiding doing things you normally love, have tense muscles and permanent headaches, find it hard to concentrate, and sleep or eat more (or less) than normal, speak to your healthcare practitioner to get help.
Knowing yourself, being self-aware and in touch with your body is important. Listen to your body and trust the signs it gives you before conceiving again. Give your body time to recover, and you’ll feel better, physically and psychologically.
If you are unsure about your plans on having another baby, or when is the best time to add on to your family, speak to your healthcare provider.
Resources: https://www.motherandbaby.co.uk/getting-pregnant/is-your-body-ready-for-baby-number-2; https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/considering-baby/another/how-to-know-if-your-ready-for-another-baby/; https://www.todaysparent.com/pregnancy/being-pregnant/things-nobody-tells-you-about-being-pregnant/; https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/considering-baby/another/14-things-you-need-to-know-about-having-baby-2/; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/second-child.html.
