The decision to have a baby is not something that parents make on a whim. It comes with carefully discussed plans about the future, what you expect from it, and what it could potentially mean if you choose to become parents. After a couple is married, society begins interrogating them: “When are you planning to start a family?”, “How long do you want to wait?”, “How many children are you planning to have?”, and the list of questions is endless. But having a child is a huge responsibility, and it doesn’t just change your life; it changes you as a person too.
The Only Child Conundrum
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Back in the day, people had multiple children and did not care much about how they were going to fend for themselves. But in society nowadays, you cannot choose to have kids without having a plan. Financial stability and being emotionally ready are the key factors to consider when deciding to have children. But the problem persists about whether to have a single child or have more than one child.
Some parents argue that having a single child is good because they can focus on him/her fully. It assures a better advantage financially. If the kid is a naughty troublemaker who needs extra attention or a special needs kid, they do not have to worry about neglecting the other child/children.
That being said, the societal norm is to have two children, and it makes families with single children stand out. So, the real question is: which option is better?
Baby Number Two: A Boon Or A Bane
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Of course, every parent will love their children (well, we hope so at least), but what factors do parents consider while planning for baby number two?
The most common thought that parents have is taken from their own life experiences. Parents who have siblings know the bond they shared and cannot imagine a life without siblings. They sternly believe that it would be good for their son/daughter to have a sibling and share their childhood. All the fun experiences of being a child are enhanced when you have a sibling. You learn to share, be cordial, and develop a strong bond with them, but that’s not always the case. There are instances where siblings constantly fight and create a bond of hatred. However, the point here is that having a sibling does impact your life to a large extent.
Working Moms: The Ultimate Multitaskers
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Another huge factor to consider is when you are a working mom with a passion for pursuing your career. It is not easy being a working mother. You cannot ignore your responsibilities as a mother, especially when your baby is young. Sure, companies offer paid maternity leaves and make special provisions to support working mothers. But that does not make it easy.
You have to plan your schedule around your breastfeeding time. Put your baby to sleep, eat, rest, bathe, and manage a meeting with an important client. Most women tend to put their careers on the backseat once they have a baby because being a mother becomes their primary focus. While there is nothing wrong with that when it’s a choice you make, some women do it out of the sheer helpless situation. They make tremendous sacrifices and sometimes have to face a lot of flak for it.
Being Selfish Is Good, Sometimes
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Many women do not have a strong support system if they choose to pursue their careers after having a baby. Even if they do, it’s not an easy choice because they sacrifice the time with their infants to reach a certain level professionally. That might (but not necessarily) mean that they are giving up a lot of motherhood duties. However, if you’re a woman keen on pursuing her career after having a baby, do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Follow your heart but remember that it will not be a walk in the park.
There will be a lot of struggle, and it won’t be easy because managing a newborn isn’t easy. But handling a newborn and a career is twice as hard, and there’s an added level of stress when it comes to being a mom of two. What is the biggest challenge you faced as a working mom? Share your story with us in the comments section below.
