In what will go down in pop culture history, Rihanna has announced she is pregnant with her second child during her Super Bowl Halftime Show 2023. Amongst the chaos and incredibly hilarious memes, many parents are left wondering how close the age gap is between her first and second child.
Now don't get us wrong, having children grow up close in age is a beautiful thing to watch. The bond is next level. But as a mother, when you have a young baby you're still working out and find out you're pregnant with baby #2 unexpectedly it can be overwhelming
We've spoken to a number of mums who have been in this situation and they've given us their top tips on how to survive the chaos.
1. Your 1:1 time with your first isn't lost
The first thought is the love lost with your first baby. But don't stress, I'm a mother of 2 who are 14 months apart and your heart only grows bigger. Sure, the 1:1 time isn't there like it was the beginning but I make sure I spend alone time with each of my children individually. It builds on our bond and I can give them that time they need.
- Darlene
2. You know what you're doing now, own it
Becoming a mother for the first time is exhausting, and don't get me wrong it's just as exhausting the second time around - if not more when you add a toddler to the mix! But this time around the sleepless nights are wiped away with an extra cup of coffee and the dreaded 'mum fog' seems a distant memory. You don't second guess yourself anymore and the confidence is sexy.
- Dani
3. Find the beauty in the chaos
Two under two is chaos, I know as I'm living in it right now. My advice is to step away from the mundane laundry, cleaning and embrace that you will have little finger prints on your mirrors and clothes might be all over their floor. I reset in the night when my little ones are down, and try to spend each precious moment with them when they're awake.
- Kumi
4. How to communicate to your first that they're having a sibling
Communicating to your little one that they're going to have a little brother or sister can go either way. Some children are so excited, others not so much. My advice is to communicate to them throughout the entire pregnancy, bring them along the journey with you. Show them your growing bump, let them feel the kicks and even take them to the ultrasound (parental discretion advised 😉). It may take them some time but they will be excited, trust me!
- Anna