What would you do? Read description first.

Question

I’m 33. My husband is 34. We have a 2 year old daughter and want to try for baby #2. We want our kids to be close in age and we may want a third child too. We’re not young so we think we should get moving. However....there are several things holding us back. Part of me still really wants to TTC soon but I’m curious to know if you’d wait considering these things below...
1. COVID: We’re about to go into winter and there will likely be a spike in cases. This would bring a lot of stress to the pregnancy, especially for someone like me who suffers from anxiety. 
2. Mental health: My mental health went down the drain last month. I think all the stress of covid was building up little by little and that along with my regular anxiety was just too much. It’s getting better as of the past few weeks because I’ve been taking really good care of my mental health, but it might be good to give it another few months or more to really stabilize. 
3. Marriage: My husband and I haven’t prioritized each other since our daughter was born. We still love each other but our marriage has definitely suffered. It might be good to spend a little more time rebuilding our relationship. 
4. Sleep & weaning: My daughter and I had a long and wonderful breastfeeding journey and it’s just about finished. I have two more nursing sessions to wean and should be done by end of next month. We also have very difficult sleep struggles with her. She doesn’t like to go to sleep at night and still wakes 1-3 times during the night. It’s a lot of me and my husband (mostly me). Would love to get her sleeping better before bringing another baby into our family.
5. Living situation: We live in a two bedroom condo. Nice place but would be tough to add another baby here. We already feel like we’ve outgrown it. Not a deal breaker. Just another thing to consider. We’re ready to buy but just need to find the right place. 
All things considered, what would you do if you were in my situation? I know this was long so thank you for reading! Also, thank you in advance for any advice you’d like to share! ❤️

Answer

I definitely feel you on wanting to start trying for number 2 so that your littles can be close in age but I think waiting until you feel good about yourself and your relationship first is probably the better way to go. Ultimately you are the person who decides what works for you and your family, but honestly the age difference between your children shouldn't push you to make this jump before you're ready. Your children will love each other no matter what do long as you teach them how. Good luck!

Answer

The only one that makes me think you should wait a bit is number three. Babies can be hard on marriages. Take some time to focus on the two of you. A healthy, strong marriage is one of the best things you can give to your children. It is literally the foundation of your family.

Answer

I decided to wait for my daughter to turn one and a half. 3 years later I still haven’t gotten pregnant. Unexplained infertility. I say try as soon as you can

Answer

Following

Answer

Given ALL of the information you gave I’d say wait a little while. You need to make sure your marriage is back on track before trying- I think that’s number one. Your mental health needs to be in good shape too. 
I wouldn’t use covid as a reason to wait though. No one knows when we will be on the other side of this so you shouldn’t put your life on hold because of it. 
I was pregnant and gave birth this year and it was scary but everything turned out fine. Things are different than we expected when we found out we were pregnant back in January, but overall everything is good.

Answer

I think I would wait if I were you but you definitely dont need to. I can relate sort of.  I had my 2nd daughter at 33 when our first was just over 3.  My first breastfed until over 2 1/2 and wasn't a great sleeper. She did improve when breastfeeding stopped but still likes to co sleep. Our 2nd daughter is of course amazing but even needier than the first. You could definitely have a different experience than me but of course there is probably just less time to prioritize your marriage with 2 and then covid limiting things. My first daughter is also not as in love with being a sister as I hoped. That of course may be totally different for you. It was just unexpected for me. We are also undecided about a 3rd. I always feel pressure about time and age but I step back and think that if I can start caring for myself physically and emotionally, there is time. I feel that with these unprecedented times, it is just really hard. I'm sure you will make the best decision for you and your family. I guess I just wanted you to know it's ok to do whatever you feel but that likely you have time if you feel waiting is best. If you feel you want a baby now anyway, you will manage that too!

What would you do? Read description first.

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey