Congratulations on Baby number 2! This is a huge adjustment for you and your child but it’s one worth making. And although we’re sure that you are excited to start this new chapter with your new baby, there are some noticeable differences that you might observe while doing things the second time around. Whether it’s figuring out who’s doing which feed in the middle of the night or the delivery process, things are rarely ever the same with the second baby. But what are these things and what can you look forward to with a second one on the way? If you’d like these questions answered then this is the article for you. Read on to know more!

1. You’ve Got Your Family’s Love And Support

It takes a village to raise a child and the same village will stand by you as you raise another little one. Many parents expect their friends and family to be less excited about Baby Number two. After all, it’s been there, done that. But a baby is worth celebrating even if it’s the fifth one to come along. So, your friends and family are going to be just as supportive if not more so. Everyone knows how difficult it is to raise one kid, let alone with a newborn in tow. So, they are going to want to help in any way that you will allow them to. This may be in the form of sending you fresh home cooked meals so that you and your partner don’t need to worry about food, or taking your kid to school and dropping them off. Or just sending you loads of sweet encouraging messages. Either way, you’ve got your team with you and you are not alone.

2. Childbirth Wasn’t Just An Abstract Concept This Time Around

Now that you’ve already delivered a baby and know how the whole birthing process went for you, there’s no suspense in your mind. You’ll have a better understanding of your needs and know how to listen to your body this time around. You’ll also have a better idea of what your realistic birthing plan is going to look like. Do you really want a water birth with a midwife present? Are you sure you don’t want an epidural? These are all answers that you have some clarity on now that you’ve already gone through the delivery journey once.

3. You’re Used To The Hustle

The first time you have a newborn, everything in your life feels like it’s been turned upside down. You have no schedule anymore, can’t predict any day or night and have absolutely no energy. You’re tired all the time and who could blame you? But now that you’ve had some experience with sleepless nights and long days, getting into the groove with your little one will be much easier. In fact, chances are that you’ll be able to navigate any challenges you faced with your first one with ease. You know not to call the emergency line just because your baby is grunting and you’re okay with placing them in their bassinet even if they are still half awake. All of this will save you precious time and energy and ensure that you get more minutes to rest this time around.

4. This Birth Does Not Require A Shift In Your Entire Identity

The initial shift to becoming a mother can be harsh and overwhelming. After all, motherhood can be a lot more shocking than people make it out to be. You’re responsible for this little one until the end of time in one way or another. Many women battle with the feeling of inadequacy and the fear that they are failing at being a mum in some manner. But they also experience a huge shift in identity. If sacrificing and compromising the things you like and want to do make you a good mother, who are you at the end of the day? Do you still get to be you if you’re also a mother? Finding balance and what being a mother looks like for you can be tricky. At least until you find your footing and learn to take it one day at a time.

Chances are that by the time the second one comes around, you have a clearer understanding of how you want to parent and who you are as a person. So this second birth doesn’t come with the stress of figuring out how to navigate another drastic shift in identity. And although no two kids are the same and you will have challenges, at least you have a better idea of how you function.

Raising kids is not an easy job. And although welcoming a newborn all over again may seem daunting, it may be easier than you expected. After all, you’ve got experience and a tiny new helper to teach your baby everything they know. Happy parenting!