Planning for Second Baby

I've heard that it's good to have three years between children, but obviously people have kids closer than this and do fine. I waited three years because I couldn't imagine having a baby in addition to my toddler until he was about 2 3/4. For me that spacing worked great because my son was a little more independent and that made it easier to care for my daughter. I have friends who love having kids spaced more closely, but I needed a little time to have my body back (I nursed for 16 months) and to get relatively sane and rested again. I guess I didn't talk about safety, but that's my experience with family planning--hope it helps.

I've heard it's good to wait 12 months but women do it all the time!

No. Your body needs two years to fully recover.

Lisa

...I'm curious how old you are and if you ever discussed any of your concerns with your OB.

I got pregnant with #2 when my daughter was 7 months and I am in perfect health. They thought I had gestational diabetes but after re-doing the test they found out my sugar levels are fine. All you have to do is continue taking your prenatal vitamins (folic acid, iron) eat healthy and everything should be OK.

I got pregnant when my 1st was 7 mos. If you have a vaginal delivery, any span of time is AOK though docs generally suggest you wait a year between pregnancies to allow your body to get back to shape inside and out. If you have a c-section and want to try a VBAC, they suggest 18 mos between pregnancies to decrease chance of uterine rupture.