Pregnant again?

We all know how it was when you were pregnant the first time and one of the benefits of your second pregnancy is that it is done with a lot more ease and self-assurance because you have been there and have done this before. How however can you plan to integrate the new arrival into your household without turning your whole happy family upside down.

Be prepared!
Regardless how well organised we are having a new baby can cause havoc on any household; and with another child usually in the toddler years you might think you are in for a roller-coaster ride.

Try and take time out to think what you can do before the baby's arrival to make it easier for you – whether it is stocking up the kitchen with ready made easy to eat snacks and meals or whether to pre-pack a toy and nappy bag to ensure you are always ready to go in the shortest possible time.

This will calm your mood and make you feel a lot more in control.

Ask for help!
If you have not already ask a family member to come and live in with you for a while after the baby is born to allow you to share your available time between your children, husband, resting.

Even if you are super-mom you will still benefit from the extra pair of hands and it will be easier for your older child to not feel neglected while you are settling in with the newborn.

Make time for yourself!
Yes I know it sounds like too much, but all new mother deserve a time away from all the responsibilities of caring for their young. You owe it to yourself. Make time to go to the shops and have a tea and a snack. Treat yourself, don't stay indoors – get out and active as soon as possible.

These outings can be beneficial to the whole family – the key aim is however to ensure that you are having time to relax and breath.

Get support!
Keep an eye on the local newspapers find support groups for new mothers. If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed you can already go to a La Leche League meeting in you area.  If you are going to an ante natal class make sure you get the details of your class mates and arrange to hook-up with them after the birth.

It is important that you are able to keep yourself in circulation as well as hear and benefit from other mother's stories and experience.

Involve your husband!
So often fathers are pushed aside in child-rearing by over zealous mothers. I know most mothers can change a diaper and make a bottle or burp their children a lot faster than their spouses – but ladies it is ONLY because you have had a lot more experience in doing this.

Give your hubby a chance and see how they blossom into dads who are proud to be there for you and eager to try their new skills. Involve your husband not only with your older child but also with your new born. We all know how fast babies become toddlers, let the whole family enjoy this miracle together!