Your second baby: tips for surviving

Advice on caring for babies is often geared towards first-time parents. When you have a toddler zooming about, that old 'Sleep when the baby sleeps' line may have you throwing your hands up in despair.

Toddlers are little powerhouses of activity. When you are up to your eyeballs in playdough, blocks and glitter-glue, the strategies have to change!

Pregnancy the second time around: relax, renew, recharge
There may be a multitude of things taking up your time and energies during your day: Full or part-time work, your partner, your child, other family, running a household, ante-natal visits and preparing for the new baby. The demands upon you may leave you with little time for yourself, and you may wonder where those quiet nights tucked up with a good book went! With a new baby about to come into the mix,it is more important than ever to take your health seriously and ensure that you still have time to relax, to renew, to recharge. 

Take the time to do the things that you enjoy most.
Haven't tried yoga or pilates before? This may be the time to sign up for yoga or pilates classes especially designed for pregnant women. Walking, swimming and all forms of low-impact activities can keep you feeling your best throughout the pregnancy, and after your new baby is born. Pushing your toddler in the stroller gets you both out in the fresh air, and gives you more energy, stress-relief and helps prepare your body for labour.

If you experienced ante or post natal depression previously, be sure to discuss this with your pregnancy care professional. You may have additional concerns arising from a previous pregnancy/pregnancies: Miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal loss; premature birth; or a difficult pregnancy or labour. Talking about your concerns with your health professional, and sharing your experiences with others who have been through similar, can help you to feel more positive about your current pregnancy. Continued...