OB/GYN Explains How Long To Wait Between Pregnancies

[@kate40235]

I became pregnant at 4 months postpartum -- exclusively breastfeeding around the clock, co-sleeping and no period -- an absolute shock, because I literally thought breastfeeding kept fertility away if you did it right. I was really scared when I first found out, but my husband and I are so excited to grow our family, babies are ALWAYS a blessing..... so if you're in the same situation as me, you're not alone and you will make it!

[@mamabailey2.0x21]

Same here 6 months postpartum

[@ebonywiseman8216]

I'm not sure how old you are but everyone knows breastfeeding doesn't prevent you from getting pregnant or stop pregnancy

[@ccheyenne]

Didn't your midwife tell you you needed to use some type of birth control regardless? Mine was VERY clear on that point at my first postpartum check up a week after giving birth and we had our kids through IVF and I was exclusively breastfeeding. I'm surprised you thought you couldn't get pregnant

[@saraharthur9810]

Amen

[@auntierific]

Same but I was also on birth control. My babies are 2 and 1 know and I am going to have another baby in August making the next to 20 months apart and we absolutely love our gaps. :) ❤

[@nataliebrundage5002]

"Reproduction is not small talk". This is such an empowering phrase! There have been a few times I've felt a bit "put upon" by the various comments and questions I've been getting from family, friends and even acquaintances and as a first time mom, I wasn't sure if this was founded or if I was just being overly-sensitive. Thank you for validating me in this way.

[@Keisha_TKD_NP]

My children are 13 years apart. I didn’t plan this but my daughter adores him and is super helpful with her baby brother 🥰🥰

[@cynthiatowers1038]

Finally found someone in my situation. I love it. One child in diapers at a time. I couldn’t do the close in age thing. My daughter is extremely helpful too. 😄♥️

[@incongruentcreative]

I'm 7 months postpartum and just began trying again. Got my positive pregnancy test a week ago yesterday after trying just one month. This video was very helpful for my anxiety. Lol

[@cygwanfogbe246]

I used to be that mom who was terrified about bringing babies into this world and not being sure if I am good enough for them. My daughter was 3.2 when my son was born and after I thought I was done, 5 years later, I find out I am pregnant with the 3rd. This was unplanned but all things work for our good because we love the Lord. Amen

[@ashtonwilkerson5330]

I’m so glad there’s finally a video mentioning when to TTC after stillbirth. My daughter was stillborn at 39+1 weeks on June 22 of last year due to concealed placental abruption, and exactly 3 months later we conceived again and I’m now 33+3 with her little rainbow sis. Some stillbirth parents want to TTC right after while others want extended time between, but my husband and I only felt ready after intense therapy, suppressing milk/continuing prenatals and iron, and an appointment with our current MFM who okayed us for TT (coincidently the same day we conceived). The MFM and our midwife have done a great job with all the extra monitoring throughout this pregnancy after loss, especially now that I’m receiving twice-a-week NSTs and BPPs. I’m sending well wishes and baby dust to everyone TTC, especially those trying after a loss. ❤️

[@allykiyo]

Thank you for sharing your story. Currently 10 1/2 weeks pregnant after our son was stillborn at 30 weeks in October. We conceived about 4 months after our loss. It’s comforting to hear other stories on successful pregnancies after stillbirth to know we’re not alone.

[@yaniwet]

I’m so sorry for what happened to you both. I wish you both all the best in these pregnancies ❤️

[@AlexandriaReads]

I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing. I experienced the loss of my daughter almost a month ago at 35+6 due to placental abruption and pre-eclampsia. Your story makes me extremely hopeful for our future rainbow baby. I am meeting with my MFM doctor in a week to do some testing and talk about what future pregnancies will look like. But my partner and I have already talked about trying again within the year. I want to give us time to grieve and my body time to heal between pregnancies. I’m in therapy now and we’ll hopefully be starting couples therapy soon. But our family is so excited to bring in another little human. My 1st daughter is so ready to be a big sister. Good luck and baby dust to you all 💛

[@MzEllaful]

Thank you for sharing ❤

[@Brookex9292]

I’m so sorry for your loss, I’m not sure I would ever mentally recover after if I had a stillborn. Youre so strong. Wishing you such a happy life

[@samaravasilevskiy716]

I was so worried! I just had my second son at 39 weeks after getting pregnant (unplanned) 2.5 months postpartum. Thank God, he's a healthy little one.

[@jenniferreynolds1537]

This video came at perfect timing. I am eight weeks postpartum and my husband and I have been discussing when and if we want a second. My midwife suggested I wait 9 months to completely heal because even though I didn't officially have pre-eclampsia, at 37 weeks my blood pressure suddenly spiked and I had to be induced and she said if I got pregnant sooner than that, I would be at a much higher risk for developing pre-eclampsia in my next pregnancy. However, being that I am an older mom (36 yrs old), I don't have a lot of time to wait between pregnancies! Its all about balancing the risks!

[@danishscribe]

I'm in a similar situation. Just had my first last week and want a second. Induced at 39 weeks and 1 day due to pre-eclampsia... We are, however, trying to move and get me a new job in another state. Usually you can't get protected maternity leave until you have been working for 1 year, so timing will be a juggling act for #2.

[@brittanyclark9867]

I am almost exactly the same situation! 8 wk old first baby, in my early 30’s, had some high BP’s right at the end and was induced just before 38 weeks and had a 5lb 6oz baby. I would like my next one sooner rather than later, as I am a bit older and would like them close together in age…

[@jenniferreynolds1537]

@@danishscribe I have also been considering looking for another job, so like you its making sure I don't get another job and get pregnant right away, then be stuck with no maternity leave or protections!

[@nyalamandela-sturge2375]

I'm a new mom of an 8 week old and also in my 30s and would like to have another soon.

[@stevensfam]

It’s crazy how an “older mom” is getting categorized as younger and younger. In my Mum’s generation having babies at 40-45 years was considered older. lol

[@simoneboratto1836]

Please know that even exclusive breastfeeding is NOT contraception. My period returned at 6 weeks post partum despite exclusively feeding on demand (all the time). While it's true that many women who exclusively breastfeed do not have their period return for longer than those who do not, it is not always the case. Also, please remember that just because your period hasn't appeared yet doesn't mean you haven't ovulated, you can always "catch the first one out" and be pregnant before you know it

[@yaniwet]

This is so important and true!!!

[@RCP511]

Same here! All my friends that breastfeed have not gotten their period yet! Not fair! 😆

[@ashleymaginnis3641]

I know someone who was breastfeeding and got pregnant with twins five months postpartum! Yes, breastfeeding alone is not contraception.

[@demihenry221]

Yes! I was exclusively nursing my son, and got pregnant when he was 8 weeks old! I continued nursing him during my pregnancy with my daughter. My son and daughter are 10 months and 10 days apart

[@RCP511]

@@demihenry221 congratulations!! I bet you were surprised!!

[@ay3696]

I got pregnant for the second time when my son was 2 months old and theirs 11 months between them .. being 9 months pregnant with a 11 month old was not easy but I did it alone everyday . My daughter was born at 37 weeks spontaneously and she was measuring Kind of small but she was perfectly healthy and so was i just very very tired 🥱 I wouldn’t change it for the world best thing to ever happen to me and I’m so proud of myself my body and my baby’s my family. I’m blessed

[@ay3696]

@@GingerSpiritSmurf Awh congratulations I also have a sister that is one year and one day older then me it really is best thing she showed me so much and I couldn’t Imagen life without her .now our baby’s are all months apart In age also .. it’s really worth the hard work my oldest 1 keeps my youngest busy all day 7 months she runs around in the Walker chaseing him and wakes up in the morning looking for him they would be lost without each other xxx

[@mpc7111]

Omg this is me. I’m freaking out, because I just had my baby 2 months ago and just found out I’m pregnant! 🤦🏻‍♀️ I had two C-sections already. Im freaking out.

[@ay3696]

@@mpc7111 awh it’s a busy day but a good routine is very important for your own sanity lol will this be your 3rd baby congratulations 👏 theirs 11 months between my boy and girl you probably be the same as back to back pregnancy’s does lead to early delivery I was 37 weeks and I never got to rest with my 11 month old lol

[@mpc7111]

@@ay3696 thank you. 😭 I’m so nervous but I’m so excited at the same time. I have three girls already but each of them were at least 3-5 yrs apart. So this is my first son I just had two months ago and didn’t think I’ll get pregnant this fast since all my others I had a hard time getting pregnant each time. But we were hoping for another boy to even it out to be out last one but we’ll see. I just didn’t expect it to be so fast. All my pregnancy were hard so that’s what makes me nervous. But excited. Idk

[@ay3696]

@@mpc7111 same thing happen to me I tryed for 2 years on my son then bang 2 months after birth he came along lol awh my hardest part was transitioning from 1 child to 2 children as a new mother .. you have so much experience with kids already so I think really gonna be amazing for you my daughter now is just turned 10 months and she’s walking because she watch’s her big bro so good for them to have someone close in age 😍😍

[@nurirdanimohdsalim3960]

In Malaysia, it is recommended to conceive again about 2-3 years after having a baby. It depends on the method of previous delivery, 2 years for vaginal birth and 3 years for C-sec to ensure full recovery physically, psycologically and emotionally. Still, it varies for every couple.

[@Maiju86]

2 years worked for us, could not handle pregnancy with a small toddler to take care of. I feel like it takes at least one year for the body to recover and another year for the mind. 😅 I would like to hear you speaking about iron and iron levels during pregnancy and after. Thanks!

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

Love what you said about it taking a year for the body and another for the mind. Made me laugh because I’m not sure we’ll ever be mentally prepared haha!

[@estefir2930]

"it takes at least one year for the body to recover and another year for the mind". Beautifully put! I got pregnant 2.5 years after having my daughter and I feel like it was perfect! I had a c section and breastfed for 2 years, so I felt like it was really good to give my body (and mind) time to recover. I have now a 3 year old and a newborn and so far, the transition has been beautiful! I also had a tubal done, so NO MORE BABIES for me! Which makes me so excited lol. Pregnancy takes such a toll on my body and mind

[@tahneejenkins9444]

Yes. My son turned 3 when my twins were born. It was hard but I was glad he wasn't younger. Girls turn two in a month and the left side of my C-section scar aches pretty bad sometimes still

[@Elena-th9xs]

​@@tahneejenkins9444how many c-sections have you had?

[@Pelusa89]

I must commend you from actually referring to countries as "resource-limited" and "resource-rich", rather than sticking the label of "developing" or "underdeveloped" to the former (which is always made through a Western viewpoint of what development, modernisation and progress should look like, regardless of how those countries view themselves). You are always so accepting, tolerant, down to earth and science-oriented. Thank you for your amazing work of sharing information with the world!

[@mama2meditate375]

Congrats on trying again! Good for you for being ready again when baby #1 is so little. I was definitely not ready yet at that stage. My kids are 3 years apart and it was perfect for us. ❤️

[@genielove91]

Currently 34 weeks pregnant now and I couldn’t imagine having another child right away. Especially with the world we are living in. Reading the comments got me like…😳😳😂 lol

[@wynternite]

The world has always been a terrible place . You just notice it more because we have social media and we can get news from anywhere even when we are not looking for it . But all of the terrible things have been happening since the beginning of time. What you think skaves went through having babies? Or the Time period with hitler. Baby if that was the case we would have stopped having babies a long time ago! Babies have been through war, racism,recessions, natural disasters , ect please don’t have that thought process. If you’re scared go to church lol life is gonna live with it without babies! Just enjoy being with yours ❤

[@TealHouseFarm]

I’ve had 6 babies in 9 years (so they are all about 20 months apart from their sibling)…and I think you did a great job explaining all the risks and variables! We are all so different! There is definitely no one-size-fits-all approach to deciding when to grow a family…you just need to ask good questions, work with your care provider, and figure out what’s best in your situation. I love that our kiddos are close together…it’s like built in buddies (and sometimes frenemies lol)❤️

[@Tameka_White]

I’m due in October and mine will be 20 months apart also

[@Er-pr2bo]

I’ve had 4 babies in 5 years 😩😩😩😩

[@Mirasurumi]

@@Er-pr2bo you are a heroine, God bless you with the best gifts in life!

[@maryrosed8475]

I just cannot imagine having 6 children! The expense, the exhaustion! what type of car you need? down the road 6 college fees? My late Mom was 1 of 6! She said it was hard on her Mother. So we all had happy small families. I think big families are great if you can afford them! Good for you! I hope you got a good nanny/ au pair to help out.

[@hetallakum3926]

C section or normal delivery?

[@lizw495]

I’m so grateful for your content. My daughter just turned 2 and a half, and I just turned 36. So I know my age isn’t helping my chances, and she was a pre term baby who came at 36 weeks and 3 days. I’m so worried I missed my ideal window for a second. But I’m going to start trying this summer, and we’ll see what happens!

[@aoiahiru670]

Don't let age get you down. I'm 36 and got pregnant at 35 within a month of ceasing contraceptives (condom use). Just relax and have fun. In the meantime you have a wonderful daughter and that is an awesome accomplishment already. :-D

[@jessicay7120]

THANK YOU! I really don’t want to wait 18-24 months before having another baby. We may want to get pregnant again just before our baby’s 1st birthday. This makes me feel way more confident about that decision.

[@annarocha3254]

My boys are 14 months apart. I know this isn't the case for everyone but my second pregnancy and labor/delivery were SUCH a breeze. Like...I was 9 cm dilated with no medication or epidural just chatting with the nurses. Haha

[@kathrynkozma1358]

I deeply appreciate you guys talking openly about having and wanting kids closer together than the 18 month timeframe. I know SO many 30-somethings who have a sibling within 2 years of them, whose parents never received that 18 month "doctor/government approval" and didn't have complications. For some reason many doctors in the US are afraid to even give conditions where a 6-to-12 month delivery->conception gap is okay and prefer to stick to scare/shame tactics. It's a one-size-fits-all 18-month stamp of approval. Sadly, with so many women starting families later, but still wanting multiple children, women are feeling ostracized by their own doctor by wanting to start try again before that 18 month mark, and are not being given as complete of information as you're giving here. Thank you!

[@teobee]

I think secondary infertility is a topic rarely discussed. After our first baby, we started trying when he was about 1,5years old, it took 2 years to concieve. Fortunately I am pregnant with the 3rd one and it took only 3 months of trying. Definitely would be nice if you would make more videos about this topic. P.s. at the end we love the age gap 3.5 years between, and coincidentally the 3rd one will also be 3.5 years apart. I had a c-section with 1st one, sucessful vbac with the 2nd and hoping for another vback with the 3rd one.

[@Emma-qq8wj]

Hey congratulations! Any tips for vbac? Why you had first c section?

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

Oh thank you so much for sharing. Congrats on your three precious babes and two VBACs!! Yeah, secondary infertility has been a real surprise but here we are. Hope to be on the other side of it like you one day not too far from now. *hugs*

[@naomitucker4834]

So happy you guys were able to conceive!! Took us 1 year with our first. 2 years with our second (who is now 1 month old) ours have a 3.5 year age gap too!

[@jayjayvee4394]

Me too we got pregnant straight away with first then second took two years . It was such a tough time I’d happily get pregnant again . They are blessings .

[@Kaivijs]

This is another reason I am not sure how long to wait.

[@kristina282k]

In Germany we recommend to wait at least 12months after a C-section to try for new baby, if no other risk factors are associated. Wish you all the best and all the luck in your journey towards baby number 2!❤️ lots of love! 😊

[@kapiatgatas]

In the Philippines, you wait for 3 yrs.

[@fofofofo6182]

In my country they "force" you to wait two years after c-section. Doctors say that in 1 year the wound is not completly healed

[@johnnyringo6161]

@@fofofofo6182 they're wrong 😆

[@kapiatgatas]

@@johnnyringo6161 Johnny Ringo what's they're wrong in Latin? I'm not your Huckleberry.

[@johnnyringo6161]

@@kapiatgatas you have made my whole morning better 😆

[@AraceliSpeed]

Aww loved that y’all shared about your attempts at baby #2! Sending baby dust your way and positive thoughts that it’ll happen at the perfect time for your family. I’m nearly 7 months pp and we are trying to decide if it’s time to start trying as well!!

[@julia738]

4 weeks postpartum with my first little one, this video is so great!!

[@tryphenarose384]

Congrats to you sweetie. 🥳❤️ Babies are such a joy. My son is 6 months old now and we've seen him grow so much. Treasure every moment. That newborn stage goes so fast!

[@SpriteoftheDnieper]

I’d love to hear about the risks of having a child 6 months apart (no risk factors, no C section) vs the risks of having a child above age 35

[@juliakbrown]

Emily Oster's book "Expecting Better" has a good summary of the data on the risks of getting pregnant after age 35. There are increased risks, but my main takeaway was that it's not that you're fine when you're 34 and then immediately when you hit 35 things go downhill - biology is more gradual than that. So if there's a tradeoff between letting your body heal for a few extra months from a previous pregnancy and hitting that "before 35" milestone, it seems to me that the data would support waiting a bit. But I'm not a doctor and you should always talk to your Ob about your specific health/risk factors.

[@CherellePatel]

Omg I’m so thankful for you both and your channel. My doctors don’t tell me anything, they didn’t even catch my severe preeclampsia which made my first time mom birth experience so scary bc I had to be emergency induced! Love watching your videos and learning through you both! Wish you were my doctors❤️

[@natalyalys6307]

It's weary hard to diagnose preeclampsia and it's rear to be diagnosed before partom.

[@Gwaycee]

You might need to change your doctors. A competent doctor will catch preeclampsia pretty fast.

[@sierra4489]

This is really helpful info! I just had my first in February and it’s been such a great experience that I am already excited to have another. 😅 That being said, pregnancy, postpartum, and life with a baby are so exhausting! I feel like I’ve been tired nonstop for a year straight. I want to give my body a break before doing all that again, and enjoy the one on one time with my baby girl. Good luck to you with baby #2!

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

SO EXHAUSTING. It’s hard chasing a toddler around making sure they don’t hurt themselves lol. Glad this was helpful and thanks for being here with us!!

[@heatherw.4561]

Lol, you must not be THAT exhausted.. I had my first in February and I couldn't imagine having another.

[@jasminlara3448]

Same, had my 1st in February and I’m ready for baby #2! I am loving motherhood.

[@scottishgirl1100]

I’m currently almost 37 weeks pregnant… due mid May and plan to wait until Sept 2023 to have my second. I have PCOS and dealt with infertility so it’s not as easy for me. I’ll still be only 33 by the time we try again.

[@yaniwet]

I wish you all the best

[@hmm3664]

Thank you so much for the info, I have flip flopped over wanting/not wanting children due to personal health issues and not having anyone worthy of the privilege of being a parent. I finally met someone who is my perfect match so who knows, kids could be in our future 😊 I’m wishing you both all the luck 🍀 with making baby #2 !!

[@daniellewheeler357]

My two first pregnancies were 16 months apart and it was such a blessing in disguise ❤️. We were not trying at all and in fact I was breastfeeding, on birth control and we were using condoms as a backup and I still got pregnant lol.

[@a-sinnersavedbygrace415]

Girll!! Lol. The Lord wanted you have those little angles.

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

Hahaha agree lol!

[@harmonyranay07]

Scary 😦 I have a one year old and nooo I’m not ready

[@taradc6037]

@@harmonyranay07 I have a 3.5 year old and am still not ready 😂

[@a-sinnersavedbygrace415]

I have a 19 month, a four month old and I’m ready 😂. I must be crazy lol.

[@aLove4MakeUp]

I was EBF, had not gotten my period yet and had an unplanned pregnancy when I was 2 months postpartum. I didn’t realize until I was already 8 weeks into the pregnancy. I was at risk for preterm labor because of the short interval btwn pregnancies and started having contractions and dilating as early as 33wks but After being put on bed rest I was able to make it to 37wks before going into labor. I now am a mom of 2 boys that are 11 months apart. My second pregnancy was so hard on me physically. From personal experience I would recommend waiting at least 9-12 months in between pregnancies. Our bodies can do amazing things but there’s no harm in giving yourself the time to recuperate and heal

[@mariastormer800]

Praying for you two on this journey to become 2nd time parents and giving Cec a sibling ❤️ much love and baby dust your way!

[@polksfamilyaffair202]

This video is cute, thanks for the information. I breast fed my 1st child inclusive for a year, he was a c section birth. Left the hospital on birth control (the pill). Became pregnant with my second son within a month of stopping the pill about 14 months later after delivery (planned pregnancy). My second little guy was inclusively breast also and a vaginal birth. In 23 months i was blessed with 2 healthy boys that both was planed. Currently have the iud with no plans of any more children. My two boys are great and I’m highly blessed 😀

[@Adaliesmama]

I’m 24 weeks with my first baby and your videos have been very helpful! I can’t wait for your baby #2 announcement… it’s crazy how hard it can be to get pregnant. So many things have to line up perfectly for the miracle to begin.

[@itsLizJaramillo]

I'm 24 weeks pregnant with my first! We tried for 5 1/2 years! I love this channel

[@Adaliesmama]

@@itsLizJaramillo Congratulations! I hope you have a happy and healthy pregnancy ❤️

[@itsLizJaramillo]

@@Adaliesmama thank you! You too!!

[@RosannaChistiakov]

Thank you for sharing! Congrats on trying and I’m sorry about it taking longer than expected! 😣 It took us two years to conceive our first miracle 🥹 Had her 3 weeks ago and already thinking about when we would like to start trying for the second one 🫣 Wouldn’t want to wait for too long and it taking another couple of years.. But it’s all up to God anyway!

[@stevensfam]

That’s def not crazy, cause I was already looking forward to another one a few months after birth! Prob helped that I had a good experience :)

[@beckt6953]

Such a great video. My first is 12 months old and I’m 15 weeks pregnant. (still breastfeed btw) We wanted them close in age as well. We are very excited for baby #2. Baby Cece will make an excellent big sister. Best of luck to both of you.

[@powderandpaint14]

Why do people want to have babies close in age?!

[@beckt6953]

@@powderandpaint14 Many reasons. Parent age and health condition, close age sibling bond, recent newborn experience, having everything at hand from previous sibling. It’s overall cost effective, at least for us.

[@powderandpaint14]

@@beckt6953 from what I've seen, and what other people with kids have said, siblings closer in age tend to fight a lot rather than bond, certainly in the younger years! A friend of mine had a terrible time with a two year old having bad tantrums, hitting and biting, while also having a newborn that the older child was not happy about at all. It always sounded like a good idea to wait a bit longer to have another baby to me!

[@beckt6953]

@@powderandpaint14 I’m the oldest of 6 and my siblings and I are 1-2 years apart and we always got along great. My best childhood memories were the ones made with my siblings. 🥰

[@krispyxtine]

Great timing! I’m 4.5 months PP and wanting to start trying for our second at 6 months. Thanks for the info 🙏🏽

[@Chances29]

I waited until my older child was potty trained at 3 and so glad I did. She was more independent when the baby was born. The two kids are now best friends.

[@ABookishBlush]

I’m 32 and not yet a mother. I’m hoping to be a mother at 33, and i won’t have much time to wait after having my first child before I have my second before I reach the age limit of 35. I don’t want to have children when it’s high risk, but I also don’t want to raise an only child… as I grew up as an only child and it’s not something I want my kid to go through as it’s pretty lonely.

[@drleneplant]

Good video! I got pregnant again (using protection) when my baby was 11 months old!! It was a HUGE surprise hahaha. I didn't feel emotionally ready or planning having a second baby but sometimes things happen for a reason. Good luck for you getting pregnant again. I'm excited for you!

[@tryphenarose384]

What method of contraception were you using, if you don't mind me asking?

[@drleneplant]

@@tryphenarose384 Condoms!

[@bensbride]

Thanks for this video! We had our daughter in December, 2019 with a super easy pregnancy and non medicated birth. We weren't ready for another baby yet, but I loved being pregnant! We decided for me to become a surrogate for a couple that couldn't carry their own baby. Surro babe was born in December, 2021 with another easy pregnancy and non medicated birth. We were then ready to get pregnant with a baby of our own and are now due with our own baby in November, 2022! It is too early to see if there will be any birth complications from getting pregnant so quickly, but I do have maternal anemia this time which is common in close succession births. (I didn't have anemia with either of my other pregnancies.) Good luck on getting to baby number two!

[@MzEllaful]

Wow!

[@Biepsi]

I also looooved being pregnant. ♥️ Hope for a second baby soon but I'm still not ovulating 😅

[@katherinep708]

Wow, can you give tips for unmedicated birth?

[@laurenchi4190]

I literally watched your channel throughout my pregnancy. You two were so informative, helped me out a lot. Now I've had my daughter almost two weeks ago, and still love this channel 😊😊

[@yahgonz31217]

I got pregnant again after 3 months of having my first baby! Lol 😂 it was crazy I was breast feeding 🤱🏻 and all but thankfully my second baby was a pretty good weight got to have him even at home. My first son was preterm birth and my second was at due date. 5 years later now I’m pregnant again with my 3 boy. Starting all over again!

[@Katsandkatsandkats]

I wish it was as easy as just deciding when you want another baby. My daughter is 5 and took 14 months of trying to conceive. I’ve been trying for a sibling for her for 15 months now. It breaks my heart how spaced apart any future sibling will be. Infertility is just terrible. Seems like such an intangible problem for me to even consider that people get pregnant too close together. Some people have a very hard time getting pregnant.

[@itsLizJaramillo]

I hope you are able soon! I'm pregnant with my first baby after 5 1/2 years trying so I hope I don't have this issue again when we want another. It sure is terrible good luck 💙

[@CrystalMendoza05]

I’m on the other end of the spectrum. I had mine very close together without trying. It’s overwhelming. It’s hard on the kids to share attention when they’re so small, and extremely hard on the parents in terms of stress. For many years I felt awful for putting us in that situation. Things do get better. I wish you luck growing your family.❤️When it finally happens your little one will be a true blessing you are ready for💕

[@Katsandkatsandkats]

@@itsLizJaramillo 5.5 years wow!! Congratulations and I hope next time around will be much less of a wait! I love to see parents finally getting their little ones. 💕

[@Katsandkatsandkats]

@@CrystalMendoza05 Thank you for the luck. I could see that being an overwhelming situation for sure. Even with many stories of women getting pregnant without trying it is still a miracle to me that it can happen. I feel like my entire life revolves around knowing my cycle. From my vantage point it would be such a luxury to not have to think about tracking. That’s from someone who is ready and wants a pregnancy though so I can see how it could be traumatic if you just weren’t expecting it at all. I’m glad things got better for your family. Lots of love to you all ❤️

[@itsLizJaramillo]

@@Katsandkatsandkats thank you 🥰 it has been a hard journey and I'm sure it's no less painful after successfully having one. My life revolved around it as well so I totally understand! It's crazy how little the struggle to get pregnant is talked about yet its so common to hear about those that did get pregnant without even trying

[@kennieloo6357]

I got pregnant again when my first was 10/11 months old. It took 3 months of trying before we got our positive, whereas we got pregnant the very first try with baby #1! I didn’t expect that. The timing is great though. She’ll be 18 months shortly after my due date so it seems like a good age gap! Sending you guys baby dust!

[@hetallakum3926]

First was c section or vaginal delivery?

[@Cent-130]

That's because as age increases men sperm count will decrease women egg quality

[@Poultrychick]

Great info. It took us 5 years and 3 months to get pregnant again. We were ready to go to experts to see if we were even able to. Surprise! Found out just before calling for the appointment

[@susanclark8578]

Our surprise blessing is 19 years after the last one. We already thought we were done 2 decades ago. But now that she's here I don't want her growing up alone. I REALLY want another baby when she's older❤

[@the_crafty_pflug]

I was given the green light to start in July 2021, and we are still trying. I am now just past the 18-month mark after my c-section.

[@DooDooMuffins]

If there are c section mama's in here and you are panicking because you've become pregnant again before the recommended 18 months, try not to worry yourselves sick.. while 18 months is best you and your baby will likely be just fine. I've just had a c section 15 months out from my last. All is well. My baby was 9 lbs 06.oz and 22 inches long! No I did not have gestational diabetes, I just have a big strapping boy lol. I carried to 39 weeks and had zero complications. Now please understand that I'm not recommending this! I just want you to know that if you've accidentally gotten pregnant again you and your baby are like going to be okay! Please get to your doctor as soon as possible so they can keep a close eye on you and baby. Good luck mamas.

[@MultiDaisy1995]

As someone who did IVF- When you said “reproduction is not small talk” ❤️👌🏼

[@danieladeac6090]

I did IVF and about to deliver this week, a bit nervous but also super excited. Wondering when can I go for the 2nd baby as my age…Not getting any younger 😆

[@dessa248]

Thank you for including pregnancy after Cesarean Section. ❤️

[@coliestellar917]

Thank you for this....super helpful. I had primary infertility which thankfully ended last year with a healthy baby via c-section, so I am very cautious and mindful about planning a second child, if it comes to that. Whatever happens I know I am lucky to have my one. Best of luck to you both...you are wonderful parents already no matter what happens.

[@carlawoodrow2677]

What I was hoping you would cover was “advanced material age”. After 35, are there any risks in timing pregnancy?

[@mandyellis4795]

Is there any research on how stress affects a pregnant woman? Pretty much my entire pregnancy I was under extreme stress due to nursing school, starting a new job, and other personal stuff. I was a completely healthy woman with no prior high risk factors but ended up going into preterm labor at 34 weeks. I always wonder if the amount of stress I was under caused me to go into preterm labor?

[@amberblosser814]

I 1000% believe it does because same. Perfectly healthy pregnancy but I'm a teacher and was stressed with work and getting covid 2x while pregnant. I went into labor at 34wks as well

[@cygwanfogbe246]

I wish they do a video about this!

[@victoriasantiago9083]

Stress can 100% affect you & your baby

[@veronicael-showk2162]

Hi Mandy, according to my midwife, stress can cause preterm labor or for some people, postpone and going past the due date. I’ve been studying stress for a few years now and the recent concept in mental health is that having stress is ok but it needs to be processed. Having and not processing would be not taking the time to check in on your body and what it’s telling you and observing your emotions without judgment and trying to control them. I wished I had known this in my first pregnancy because the stress of being stressed caused a vicious cycle.

[@rosyapplekitchen635]

I had a lot of stress (nearly lost sibling plus they were in hospital a long time, i would be at hospital a lot) i thought there was no way the baby could possibly survive let alone be fine. Luckily she is a mighty intelligent little diva with no problems. Second time, all i had was food poisoning plus moving house financial stress and i lost the baby. I guess you just never know.

[@OfficialNissa]

delivered my first baby December 2021 via cesarean (due to baby being breech). Counting down until June so I can begin to try to conceive again 🙌🏼

[@goingplaces6580]

I love that your videos has time stamp of topic , very informational🙂

[@sugami82]

We've lost our last 3 babies (20, 19 & 31 weeks), the general recommendation was to wait 9-12 months to allow the body to heal after the last one (was a very traumatic child birth). However our consultant (and midwife) said it's not a problem if we conceive earlier as plenty of people do without issue. As you can imagine we are very eager to have a baby, waiting isn't really an option for us. FYI we live in UK.

[@anarhlia7605]

I hope you get your precious baby soon. I can not imagine what you have been through ❤

[@dreamchord4544]

Currently in the early days of pregnancy with baby #2 and my first is 7.5 months old! We're so excited for them to be close in age, but this pregnancy has been so much harder already. If I had known, I still would have wanted to get pregnant again, but I don't think I would have been as confident that round 2 would be as easy as round 1.

[@tryphenarose384]

Congratulations to you! 🥳🥳 I gave birth to my first baby last October. Found out I was expecting again this February. Our babies will probably be about a year apart in age. First pregnancy was also incredibly easy for me and labor and birth was one of the best experiences of my life. This time around, my first trimester I had really bad fatigue. Hardly any morning sickness though. I know there's a lot of warnings against having a baby so close in age. But plenty of women have done it throughout history, so I'm not particularly worried. 🤷‍♀️

[@LimoLiza]

@@tryphenarose384 Congratulations to you, may everything go well with your second pregnancy!! 🎊🙏😊

[@juliachetverzhuk6023]

I delivered both baby vaginaly , and I was exclusively breastfeeding both of them. First time I got my period 4 months after, but second time after 6 weeks after having a baby . And ovulation comes first, then period. And I also pumped my milk between breast feeding, cuz I had a lot of milk. So be prepare to find out that you are pregnant at any time after you had a baby even if you constantly breastfeeding like I was back then. Do not trust breastfeeding contraception lol

[@JessicaBates-re8nb]

So true! I got my period 7 weeks after giving birth and I was exclusively breastfeeding as well.

[@sexxiilibra5]

From what I have read online, pumping in addition to breastfeeding takes away the birth control effects that ebf can provide

[@ainsam15]

@@sexxiilibra5 well breastfeeding isn’t a reliable contraceptive method, so it’s not surprising.

[@elenarewd9299]

@@ainsam15 it can be, but it’s called ecological breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding is not the same.

[@samanthah2226]

Hugs. Negative pregnancy tests when you want them to be positive are tough. Thank you for sharing wonderful information.

[@ashleyj.5111]

When baby #2 was 7 months old I found out I was 5 month pregnant with #3. Shock of my life!! Baby #4 came 8 years later!!

[@jordynkylie2062]

I stopped breastfeeding at 3 months and was on birth control and I got pregnant right after I have delivered 4 months My doctor says I case was 8 months short interval. Am now 32 weeks and healthy Thank god 🙏

[@natalyalys6307]

Birth control pills are considered effective to 98% only after 3 month taking. Pregnancies in the first 3 month off birth control are frequent. You are taking progesterone it's the same hormone given to pregnant woman to stop and avoid pre term birth.

[@jordynkylie2062]

@@natalyalys6307 it wasn’t effective for me I got the low dose because I was only breastfeeding wen my son turn 3 months I tried formula and that was it lol So I believe I got pregnant around wen he was 4-5 months My period was so unpredictable I still don’t know wen was my last period cus it will skip

[@natalyalys6307]

@@jordynkylie2062 yes. That is correct. Your period takes around 3 months to regulate after you start on birth control. The pill has to be specific for your needs. Small dosage doesent mean that is beater. Unfortunately birth control pills are not 1 fits all.

[@jordynkylie2062]

@@natalyalys6307 no more pill for me after this pregnancy IUD lol

[@sophiareyna4087]

Thank you for sharing that. You guys are amazing. We went almost a year without conceiving the 1st time and the journey can be frustrating but it will happen when the time is right 💜 stay strong and don't forget to have fun 🤗

[@sooh6299]

Well I'm glad I didn't watch this video before I got pregnant with my second lol. I got pregnant when my first was 11 1/2 month old, and my second one was actually bigger and healthier than my first, and she also didn't want to come out until 41 weeks when I was induced :) But, there are recommendations, and then there are real life stories. Just because that's how it was for me, doesn't mean don't listen to medical advice.

[@kristipineda]

I so appreciate this video! It’s also wonderful that you share about your journey to Baby number two before getting pregnant.

[@reyfin4922]

Can pumping be substituted in that statement about exclusive breastfeeding. At work 8 hours away from baby. Pumping approximately every 3 hours.

[@coppersulphate002]

The most appropriate professional to answer this question are early years childhood educators. Because the spacing should benefit the proper overall development of the child. It shouldnt be about the whims and desires of parents

[@riawhetstone3725]

*watching this with my first (3weeks old) sleeping on my chest 😵‍💫

[@cherylannhall178]

Ditto! 🥰

[@riawhetstone3725]

@@cherylannhall178 🤣

[@ajhoff6934]

My almost 3 week old is sleeping right next to me while I’m watching this 😂

[@ExoticBlue22]

Eeek! Baby on chest is wonderful! Congrats new mama! My son (first child) is already 2 months old! Enjoy all the chest sleeps it goes by so fast! 🥰 This channel has been my go-to since the beginning the Drs Bjorkman are fantastic. ❤

[@tall7and7]

watching this while pumping for my second (also 3 weeks old) while he sleeps next to me with my first (2.5 years) plays with his trains 😂 I totally get it! ❤️

[@sarahj87]

Wishing you the best! May I ask how old you are Sarah? I’m thinking about the second one myself too

[@kimwatchesstuff]

After my stillbirth, at advanced maternal age (39), I was told to try again as soon as I felt emotionally ready. We had 10 years of secondary infertility and the doctor thought that the cell memory would work in our favor. While I did get pregnant again 6 months later it ended in my 4th miscarriage. I think it's just too a specific case type thing.

[@sunnyday4055]

I'm really sorry for your loss

[@MrsV18]

I feel like waiting the 18-24 months post c-section to get pregnant again is gonna drive me insane. I’m 8 months PP and I want another baby and to grow our family by one more so badly!❤

[@ohdanielajs]

Interesting that the data suggests that the 6-18 month interval isn’t associated with huge increases in risk overall. My husband and I tried for small age gaps and were very fortunate that it worked out like we hoped. Pregnant at 7 m PP with baby 2 and pregnant at 8 m PP with #3. (16 m age gap between our first two and 17 m gap between 2 & 3. …So yes, three babies in just over 2.5 years.) Some things were luck (I was able to deliver vaginally, no complications, I was in my mid20s with no risk factors.) But one decision that really helped was formula feeding. (I realize there is some financial privilege there though. But for what it’s worth, generic formulas are substantially less expensive and we had no issues with them!) I was able to sleep more and have my body back faster. (Not in the Instagram “look hot 2 months PP way” but in the “I didn’t have to drain myself dry any longer” sort of way. After 9 months of growing a human, draining my nutrient reserves, and having a growing fetus siphon energy from me, I needed to fill my cup back up. Major respect to breastfeeding moms btw! I’ll always support you! But for me, formula was an absolute godsend and I highly highly highly recommend considering it. Also, BigLittleFeelings and Dr. Siggie on Instagram were instrumental on the mental side of things. Having young toddlers, being pregnant, and having a newborn is busy and sometimes triggering. They offer fantastic insight and skills! Also there’s no shame in some go ol’ high quality TV time for the kids so you can nap on the couch. Or barricading yourself in the living room with your baby and falling asleep on the floor while your baby crawls all over you. If you lower your standards enough, it’s like a massage 😂

[@lvs1w3]

I agree about formula. I was slipping into a bit of depression trying to do the breastfeeding and pumping milk. It was such a relief to switch to formula. My baby loved it and is now a healthy 4 year old. Breast is best of course, but mommas gotta do what works for their own families with no judgment.

[@danielahuber2228]

After our girl was 11 months old, we decided to try again. Since I just turned 36, I thougt it could take a while and better to start sooner. But I got pregnant right away. And now our kids only have a 20 month age gap. I am glad about the small gap but it is really challanging as well to be pregnant with a toddler. In Austria you can stay at home for 2 years with your kids and you are also forbidden to work within the 8 weeks before and after giving birth. During that time you also receive your full salary. So that helped. I did not have to work during pregnancy. But I could not have imagined working, taking care of a toddler and being pregnant again.

[@elizabethunger9190]

I also got pregnant when my son was 11.5 months old. I’m 16 weeks now with our little girl and they’ll be 20-21 months apart.

[@jemandanderes8758]

I love how you switched outfits to talk about your own personal experience

[@jennaom1]

Your videos always come at the perfect time for me. My babe is 8 months now, so we're considering when to try again. We originally thought we'd try to have our children close together, but now I'm not so sure. You've assuaged my concerns about the medical impact of short duration between pregnancies though, so thank you for that! But now I'm thinking more about the social factors. Will I be able to devote as much time and attention to a new baby when I already have a young child around? What about the impact of age differences on sibling relationships? A part of me wishes I could wait until my first child is in school. That way I could start over with another baby and really focus on them. But then I run to the advanced maternal age issues. Not sure if this is medical enough for y'all to discuss, but I'd love a review of the effect of sibling age gaps and birth order on long-term health and wellbeing.

[@dawnfisher7973]

I found that my kids age gaps have worked out great so far as they're very close to one another and plus it was easiest for me when they were toddlers at the time, but the ages did make a difference an made it easier looking after each as they were all in their different stages of independence. My first was 23 months older than her brother(my second child), and my third child was born which made the two older by 4 years and 9 months and the other, older by 2 years and 9 months. I had all mine right before my 22nd birthday and now they are all teens but I definitely had a wonderful time being able to spend time with each on their own level and no jealously issues or anything as they all developed an incredible loving and protective like bond with and for one another! Raising them has been a blessing and configurably quite easy and I do feel that was partial/allot because the way the age gaps were separated between each.

[@georgianaaron4986]

It's better for siblings to be close together in age. They can grow & play together & share similar milestones. My sister & I only became close in adulthood because of the 8 year gap.

[@hammettgirl]

Yikes!! I've wondered about this!! Luckily for my husband and I everything worked out! I had 2 C-sections back to back. Both girls were over 8 lbs and I only weighed 105, I'm 5'5" pre pregnancy and only gained 20-25 lbs. 17 months apart. I was in my early 20's and nutrition wasn't great so I was extremely blessed!! Definitely wasn't ready to get pregnant again (was still breastfeeding) but God had other plans 🙏💗 I'm glad it was the 80's and not now. I was terrified of uterine rupture enough without KZbin videos! But it's good to be informed 😜

[@hetallakum3926]

How much gape between deliveries?

[@slouberiee]

My grandma got pregnant 3 months after giving birth to her first daughter (she was partially breastfeeding, supplementing with formula). It was a surprise for her. I think it wasn't good for them (her and grandpa) finance-wise and also they could not give all the needed attention to the first child... That was in the 50s. Tough times.

[@Jewel247247]

BASICALLY wait 6 months

[@kristaolsen7394]

Thanks for sharing! Exciting news! I’m 13 weeks postpartum and for the first 6 weeks I couldn’t imagine why anyone would have a baby. It was challenging to say the least. But.. things change and now I’m like, this is wonderful, when can I get pregnant again? Haha

[@shawnparis3123]

Same!

[@melanygalvez9192]

My little one is 12 weeks and while I’m not quite at when can I get pregnant again, I did wonder how parents survived for the first few weeks and figured it must get better or everyone would be an only child!

[@Ro14192]

Same feeling for us too 😂

[@katieohh6456]

We tried for baby #2 when my son turned 1 and it took 8months to conceive our baby girl. My doctor told me to wait 12months before trying for baby #3.

[@katieohh6456]

Oh and I had a c section for both my babies 👶🏼

[@pitounesky7604]

I love to follow your channel! My partner and I are both family doctors (G.P.) and are expecting our first child at the end of August. So fun to see how you explain medical topics to a general audience et notice if there's any difference between US and Canadian guidelines. 😉 Great video as always! 😊

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

Oh thank you so much! And congratulations!! From one doctor couple to another-good luck, you’ve got this, and HANG ON it’s quite a ride 😃

[@4ngelpsych0]

Thank you, I really needed this! My baby was born around a month later than your baby girl, so It couldn't have a better timing!

[@jenvillafane3563]

This is super helpful info! Could you please provide references in the video description? My husband and I are discussing baby #2 (and 3..😊) and my doc is recommending 18 months, although we are definitely not planning to wait that long. I would love to share info about the minimal difference in risk for having babies closer together since I had an uncomplicated delivery with our first. ❤️ So glad I found your channel!

[@ngd1990]

This was very helpful - thank you. Wishing you lots of luck on your baby journey 🍀

[@vvviiiiiicccc]

I'm almost 4 months pp, breastfeeding and still no period. Hubs and I already discussing baby number two. I'm hoping to try when I'm about 8 to 9 months pp. I'm worried second time around won't be as easy as first. Good luck to you both and hoping you get a positive soon!

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

Thank you so much for that. Congrats on your sweet babe-I hope you are adjusting okay and that breastfeeding is going well!! And good luck to you too when the time comes!

[@vvviiiiiicccc]

@@TheDoctorsBjorkman thank you! Also, love your channel. I've been following since I was a few months pregnant. Very helpful material!

[@blezotubes8750]

Conceived baby number 2 when I was 6 months preg. And in case you haven’t heard, it actually does get better😉. Number 2 is 7 months now and I’m ready for number 3.

[@LoveLaw]

So many women told me as long as I breastfeed I would not have to worry too much about periods or pregnancy. My period returned at 6 weeks and was regular every 4 weeks since then, and I was exlusively breastfeeding - on demand, around the clock and at least every 3 hours. I remember being so disappointed that I didn’t get this benefit from breastfeeding. My toddler is 2 now and I still don’t really feel ready for another pregnancy. She’s still up at night a lot when she’s teething or not feeling well and the terrible two’s are really testing our patience 😅 I have terrible HG during pregnancy and I was vomiting all the way from 9 weeks into the delivery room and was told odds are very good I will have it again (based on how I react to hormonal Birth Control as well). I was basically bedridden for large portions of my pregnancy and spent time in hospital at 9 weeks, at 15 weeks and again at 23 weeks. So I don’t want to subject a very small toddler to seeing me like that. So we will be waiting until she’s at least 3 before even trying.

[@ShiraKorn]

Love these videos! Would you mind sharing the source for the preeclampsia risk? I had preeclampsia with my first and am trying to figure out the best timing for baby number 2. Thank you!

[@melissadauer8757]

I got pregnant 6 months after a c section and had a Loss. So getting healthy now .

[@skipsmom1]

Awww, good luck! ❤️ Thank you for sharing something so personal. I want to have another baby but my dr. recommends to wait at least a year so that’s what we’re doing.

[@clairebear7902]

Great video about a topic that I feel isn’t discussed much! I had my first last NYE and planning baby no 2 has come up but healing the body first is a must for me! I would love to hear you talk about the risks of prolapse associated with pregnancy/birth, what it means and what can be done as I feel like this isn’t discussed much at all sadly…

[@felicitycarter8120]

You should do a video about secondary infertility. I was like the mums commenting on here. My son was two and we were both under 30 when we started trying again and due to secondary infertility without cause, our daughter was born 9 YEARS LATER. I hope this doesn’t happen to any of you but sadly it does happen and people really should know that it’s a possibility.

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

We definitely are planning to share our journey with secondary infertility. It has sucked and was not something we expected after getting pregnant so easily the first time around!!

[@Katsandkatsandkats]

I’m so sorry you experienced that. It’s so humbling. If I ever manage to end up pregnant again I will not be going on birth control after the birth and will be waiting the minimum amount of time to begin trying again. I waited until my daughter was 4 to start trying again and here we are 15 months later with no end in sight. Infertility is awful!

[@bibhushanashrestha8198]

Hi Sarah, Bibhushana here, a junior GP registrar from Melbourne and first-time mom to a beautiful baby boy, love all of your vids, I would appreciate it if you would do a video regarding solids as well! Thank you!

[@sweetlolitaChii]

Thank you sooo much for this detailed information and the various circumstances that can influence the safety of short interval pregnancies. ❤️

[@janedoe5510]

I had 2 C sections, 18 months apart. Seems i'm lucky to be here 😊

[@beautymarkbyjammiej1721]

I have one year old twins and currently 9 months pregnant. I got pregnant a month after my twins turned one.

[@janedoe5510]

My 3rd came 18 months after my twins. Congratulations 😊

[@rachelle2227]

Really interesting video! My ob just told me to wait until at least 18 months pp to try for baby number 2, and I was hoping to wait 12 months. I shouldn’t have any risk factors, I had a vaginal birth, only a second degree tear, etc, so it’s interesting to see the risk is probably actually low to get pregnant at 12 months pp for most women.

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

Your OB of course knows your history best, but the data definitely doesn’t show huge increased risks once you hit that 12 month PP range. So good luck to you whatever you decide!!

[@nattyjo]

Love your channel!!!! It’s so helpful!!! Will be praying for your second pregnancy. How exciting! We just had our second baby girl and ours are 20 months apart

[@vandakat]

Good luck with baby #2! ❤️

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

Thank you so much!! We truly appreciate it.

[@keahharrison4765]

My children were born within a year (11 months). And even though ppl say that I “got them out the way” I suffered a lot of pelvic pain from the time I was about 5 months pregnant with my youngest until he was about 6 months old. Ladies please wait and let your body heal. They say wait six weeks for a reason.

[@Joyfulminimalist]

I’m just under 18 months pp. I did have some nutritional deficiencies and they’re all cleared up now. We really don’t want to wait 2 years, I’m 36!

[@livijean1]

Did you guys read my mind? Haha, Google always tells me 18 months and it feels like it’s way too long and we’ve been wanting our next one sooner 🥴😂