EP 38: 2 Under 2: My Honest Thoughts Before Baby #2 Arrives | Mom of Two Reality Check

Baby number two is coming and I'm sharing everything I'm thinking and feeling before our lives change forever. If you're pregnant with your second baby, wondering what it's really like having two kids under two, or preparing for a toddler and newborn at the same time, this episode is for you. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 🤱 Second Baby Reality Check What it's really like preparing mentally for baby number twoHow having experience with one baby changes everythingWhy I feel more confident about baby cues, sleep routines, and staying adaptable this time 👶 The First Sibling Meeting My excitement (and nerves) about bringing my toddler to meet his baby brother in the hospitalWhat to expect when your toddler meets the newborn for the first timeTips for preparing your first child for a new sibling ❤️ Emotional Preparation for Two Kids How your heart expands when you have a second childThe nostalgia of looking back at newborn photos before baby arrivesProcessing the bittersweet feelings of your first baby growing up 😰 Real Fears About 2 Under 2 Managing a mobile, energetic toddler while caring for a newbornC-section recovery challenges when you can't lift your toddler for 6 weeksLosing mental recharge time and how it affects mood, patience, and relationshipsDouble the diapers, laundry, and baby gear (the reality no one talks about)Leaving the house with two car seats, diaper bags, and all the stuff 💪 Coping Strategies That Actually Help Why asking for help is essential (not weakness) when you have two under twoPlanning extended maternity leave so both parents can be home togetherUsing a babysitter to prevent burnoutHaving family support nearby and why it mattersTaking advantage of nap overlap for self care and recharging 🌸 The Silver Linings Anticipating sibling bonding and watching them play togetherHaving a spring baby means more outdoor time, park trips, and fresh airUnderstanding baby basics from experience (sleep training, feeding cues, diaper changes)More family support systems in place this time around Perfect for: Second time moms and pregnant with baby number twoParents planning to have kids close in ageAnyone considering or preparing for 2 under 2Moms recovering from c-section with a toddler at homeParents looking for honest, real talk about the challenges and joys of multiple kids Topics Covered: Two under two tips | Second baby preparation | Toddler meeting newborn | C-section recovery with toddler | Managing two kids under 2 | Second time mom advice | Sibling bonding | Extended maternity leave Canada | Postpartum recovery | Mental health for moms | Newborn and toddler schedule | Mom of two survival guide | Asking for help as a parent | Preventing parental burnout Join the Conversation: Have you survived 2 under 2? What are your best tips for managing a toddler and newborn? Drop your wisdom in the comments or send me a message. I'll be doing a follow up episode after baby arrives to see how my predictions compared to reality! Resources Mentioned: Kind Laundry sheets (use code ZEROWASTECUTIE for 10% off)Extended maternity leave in Canada (12-18 months) Subscribe for the upcoming "After Baby #2" episode where I'll share what actually happened and how my expectations matched reality!