02/05/2026
For those of you that haven’t seen the random IG stories, we welcomed our second daughter at the end of December.
This postpartum experience has been a nice reminder that we can prepare for some things, but not all. Here are some spark notes on how this postpartum has differed from my first.
1. Labour and delivery. Although this labour and delivery was “smoother” clinically, it was more mentally draining. It was shorter, with no tearing or hemorrhaging, which is all great, but mentally it was an internal battle. Whether it be her posterior presentation or her size (9lbs 14.5oz of pure love), the sensations were significantly more intense, leaving me at moments questioning if I could deliver her.
2. Early postpartum. The days and weeks after welcoming our second daughter were vastly different. The first days I was happy being in bed, resting and recouping, but shortly after I had a deep desire to be back at work and working out. I missed the environment, the social aspects. Waiting for a check in with my pelvic floor physio felt like months.
3. Different baby. This seems obvious, but kids initial demeanors can be wildly different. Everything from feeding to sleep has been opposite.
4. Add a toddler. This needs some emphasis behind it. Having a toddler at home axes “sleep while the baby sleeps” and has you feeling like you are being torn in two different directions all day. I am thankful that our toddler loves her sister and enjoys time to herself, but there are definitely times where it’s a balancing act I feel I am failing. Not to mention, having a husband who works overnight makes bedtimes an Olympic sport.
5. Mother Nature. Winter 23/24 vs 25/26 has definitely switched up the experience. Getting outside with my first was easy, with the sidewalks cleared and the sun shining, whereas baby two had days or grey skies and record snowfall. This time around I understood the allure of a spring or summer baby.
Anyone who’s preparing for another postpartum, I truly believe that every postpartum experience is beautiful in its own way, if you allow it. You got this.