Hi ladies,

we are thinking about TTC later in the year (at this stage), and I'm so excited and happy at the idea of giving Baylee a sibling, but I'm also really, really, really scared.

I'm scared we'll have another premmie, I'm scared I'll go into labour earlier (we did pretty well with Baylee, 36+4, so only just premmie, though she was small - still is!), I'm scared about what would happen to Baylee if I had to be at the hopsital with a newborn premmie, I'm scared I wont get to breastfeed again... the list goes on.

I know I wont necersarrily have another premmie - to my knowledge there was no 'reason' my waters broke early last time, the closest i got to an explanation was a nurse said it could have been because it was close to christmas and I'd been doing heaps of shopping (7 hours!) the day before my waters broke... does that mean when we're pregnant next I'll have to limit my activity? and if so how the heck do i do that with a toddler??

sorry, I'm getting a bit over the top now, but these are worries I have about getting pregnant again, I'm just not sure what to do about them.

Thanks for reading, I know I shouldnt be so dramatic about it, I'm just worried and wanted to get it off my chest I guess.

I understand you freaking out. I did it myself. Lots and lots. While we were TTC, when we got our BFP, and then as I approached 32 weeks (when my leak started).

But here's some good news. Grace and I got to 38 weeks, and it probably would have been more, but I had an elective c-section.

And she's 5 months and I've been breastfeeding her the whole time, and we're not looking like stopping!

One thing I would recommend you do - is start taking Elevit now. I kept taking it from when Lucas was born, and the whole way through, my OB said to me that there are studies (one I think I even linked here) showing that folate levels can be linked to premature birth.

Secondly, it's possible to take it easy with a toddler. It just means lots of floor play, and couch play, and when necessary, TV time. If she still does sleep during the day, then it means laying down when she does. If you have a relative in mind who is going to look after her when you go into hospital with the second bubs, start sending her off one afternoon (if possible) a week and use that time to get some rest. Go to bed really, really early, and if there are any evening wake ups or things, get your partner to handle them. It can be done!

Finally, when you get pregnant, book yourself into an ABA breastfeeding class fairly early. Go along, ask lots of questions, watch the videos, read the book they give you. I found all of these things tremendously helpful. I also came here and asked LOTS of questions based on things that had happened last time, and other people's experiences.

When I was in hospital, I asked the lactation consultants for help, since from what I've seen, attachment issues are the hugest issue that tend to end breastfeeding.

Good luck! And we're all hear for you

I totally understand where you are coming from.
My DS was born at 34+5 with no reason as to why my waters broke, he was born healthy but just small 1.99kgs.
I'm currently almost 30 weeks pregnant with my second baby and have always wondered throughout my pregnancy 'will i go early again'.
The Drs at the hospital have been good, i'm not considered low risk but not high risk either. I don't go to the Midwifes clinic but she the Doctors at each Hospital visit. I've already had a growth scan at 28 weeks to check my cervix length and everything is fine and i may have to have another Ultrasound(i don't mind)
I have been trying to take it easy, having a rest when DS is asleep, it is hard sometimes with a Toddler but my husband is great about it and my mum comes to watch him once a week during the day for me so i can do things and just rest.
The Hospital did say that i may go early again with this pregnancy and are keeping an eye on my to try and figure out why.
Hope it helps.
Renee