How do you know when you're ready to have a baby?

[Lobodeb]

For me, I noticed the cuteness meter going way up. Baby showers, baby clothes, babies in general. I used to always joke that if someone came up to me with a puppy/kitten in one hand, a baby in the other, that I would go for the puppy/kitten everytime. It's probably still true , but at least now, I'll think about going to the baby now. lol

But seriously, I just found myself ready. I think the fact that you're thinking about it more and more is a sure sign. I don't know how else to explain it, besides just feeling ready.

As far as finances go, I don't know if one can ever be ready unless your last name is Winfrey or Gates. I figure that we'll have to cut back on stuff, but you find ways to make it work, just like when one of our fur babies gets sick.

Good luck!

[Samantha Puppy]

As far as finances go, I don't know if one can ever be ready unless your last name is Winfrey or Gates.

Holy crap! I mentioned the same two people, but didn't read your response as I was typing mine when you posted yours! Weird.

[Lobodeb]

Holy crap! I mentioned the same two people, but didn't read your response as I was typing mine when you posted yours! Weird.

Great pregnant minds think alike, huh?

But I would have to ditto everything you said about how you realize your life will change. It's pretty scary, but friends who have kids now wouldn't have it any other way, so I'm banking on the fact that I'll feel that way too.

[Husky_mom]

i must agree, when you feel ready, you are ready, but as for financial stuff you´ll never be. but it´s worth it.

i tought i was ready, had my baby, than i was like OMG now what do i do, how do i do this, how do i do that, how am i supposed to teach him, and what to teach, it never ends. and for money i did had to get off of work for 8 months, but then i got back part time (i didn´t wanted to leave him so small with someone else to care for him, than my mom cared for him, now hes at kinder garden)i still do only part time, and sometimes you think now i need diapers, milk, food, and the list goes on but you´ll both manage through it, maybe you´ll cut your movies, dine outs and things like that but you´ll be fine. and what´s more, you´ll love your kid since day one (my hubby still makes fun of my face when i knew i was pregnant shhh i must say he wasn´t as ready as i was back then)

[Logan]

I had my first and only child at 28. There are many times that I wish I had even been younger when she was born, but you know, it all works out. I did not have the financial luxury of staying at home with her. In fact, I went back to work, full time, when she was 5 weeks old and when she was six weeks old, she was in day care. But she is a lovely 14 1/2 year old girl now and I could not be more proud.

You just "know" and it sounds like you do know!!! I wish you all the best!!!!

Logan

[carole]

I say GO FOR IT, if you both feel ready then that is the right time for you to have your baby you are at a good age too, don't leave it too long, i know mother's are choosing to have babies later in life these days, but I have done both and personally I think having my first child at 24 was a better choice, I now feel less tolerant and tired and so much older than all the other mother's out there,everyone is right in saying if you wait until you are financially secure, you might be waiting along time.

Yes babies do change your lives forever, but for me I did not find it such an upheavel, it was what I wanted so much, that any sacrafices I made were well worth it, and life just went on.,it really was no big deal to me.,because I was indeed mature enough and ready for it all I think.

[Jessika]

Well you can be ready mentally but not financially. Theres no "guide" to say whether or not you're ready for a baby, you just know.

Personally I feel I am responsible and mature enough to have a child of my own right now if I wanted, but I won't because I'm not financially stable, don't have a stable or large enough place to stay, and I just don't WANT that "obligation" right now in my life. But once all those factors are set straight, you can bet I'll be considering it!!

Good luck with whatever you choose!!

[catnapper]

I guess its the same as when you know you DON'T want a baby.... I look at a baby and see a screaming alien ready to suck up your time, money, energy. If you look at a baby and melt inside -- you are ready to have one

Good luck! Having a ababy is a wonderful thing, and I'm sure you'd make a great mom.

[Corinna]

Every one has covered when ready .I however want to warn you about the transistion from birth control to none . Use a back up (condom or spermiside for a month or two. You could become pregnant with a lot of the hormone in your system not a good thing . Talk to your doctor I became pregnate while on the pill I think some of my son's challages are a result.
Catnapper I thought I was the only one who saw that vision . Glad to know I'm not.