Second Baby Real Talk: Emotional Rollercoaster Uncovered

A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world.”

— Agatha Christie

Motherhood the second time is not just physically demanding, it’s emotionally overwhelming too. You are constantly trying to balance love, time, and attention—without letting either of them feel left out.

When I became a mother for the second time, I thought I knew what was coming. You do feel happy about becoming a mother again—but don’t get me wrong—the emotions are never the same as they were with your first child.

Here are moments when you question yourself: Am I giving enough to both? The guilt is real. When you are with your newborn, you think about your older one. And when you’re spending time with your elder child, somewhere in your heart, you’re thinking about the baby.

Being a second-time mom is all about double the responsibility, double the chaos, and double the fun. Everything feels doubled—more than you can imagine. From shopping for both kids, remembering their sizes (one newborn and one growing child), diapers for one and underwear for the other, to swaddles, blankets, tiny accessories, room setup, snacks, and even choosing the right age-appropriate toys for both as per their age, there’s always something to do. It feels like a continuous task from day one.

You’re already exhausted taking care of your elder one, and then you realise your newborn also looks at you with those seeking eyes—for connection, for touch, for emotional comfort, for that one hug that makes everything feel right.

This takes me back to my jappa days. My husband would help our elder one get ready for school. When she came to me, I would be feeding the newborn and then gently putting her to sleep. And then—it was time for my elder one. That was our time.

I would cuddle her, assuring her that Mumma loves her just as much—if not more. Because while the newborn is too little to understand anything, your elder child understands everything. And so, while one needed care, the other needed reassurance.

I would wait the whole day for her to come back from school. While the younger one slept, I would spend time with my elder—playing tic-tac-toe, solving simple addition problems, making words, and, most importantly, talking about her day. That balance… is something no one prepares you for.

There comes a moment when you realise, you now have to handle both kids at the same time. I used to talk to moms who were already doing it, but believe me, every parent has their own way. Nothing works the same. You have to find your own rhythm. And today, when I look at them, my heart feels full.

I had manifested this moment, and now I feel blessed. As a mother, I truly believe I’ve given them the most beautiful gift—the gift of a sibling. A bond that, I hope, stays with them for life.

 A Few Things I’d Like to Share With Second-Time Moms-to-Be Be:

1.     Don’t shy away from taking help.

Help can come in any form—house help, extra support, your mother, your mother-in-law, or even your partner. Keep your husband in the loop—he should know how you’re feeling and how he can support you.

2.     Prepare your elder child in advance.

Children understand more than we think. Talk to them about the new baby, involve them in the journey, read books together, and make them feel included. Surprise them with small gifts or their favourite things. Let them be the first to see or hold their sibling—it makes them feel special and valued.

3.     Stay calm and go with the flow.

It’s not easy—I know. But you already have so much on your plate. Slow down when needed. Trust yourself. Believe that you are doing your absolute best for your children.

Affirmation:

·      “I am enough for both my children.

·      My love multiplies, not divides.

·      I am doing my best, and that is more than enough.”

If this felt a little too real, you’re not alone—share this with another mom who needs to hear it.

This post is a part of the #Blogchatter A2Z Challenge 2026.

Also, check out other kids' and parenting book reviews here:

Rupali Khattar talks about her book Just The Way You Are | Interview

Kids Book Review : Stand Up For Yourself by Vandana Sehgal

You can also explore my AMAZON STOREFRONT here.

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 Book Review: Stand Up For Yourself by Vandana Sehgal

 Author: Vandana Sehgal
 Age Group: Ideal for 5–10 years
 Genre: Children’s Fiction / Life Skills
 Illustrated by Arushi Sharma
 Pages: 29

Being a parent of a young child, I often wondered how to teach my little one to speak up for herself. From the very first day she entered grade 3, she would come home with small complaints—“Mumma, this boy did this to me,” or “That girl didn’t play with me.”

Even after explaining things to her many times, she still struggled to understand how to respond in such situations. That’s when I came across the book Stand Up For Yourself by Vandana Sehgal. The catchy title immediately grabbed my attention, and I decided to order it.

I’m truly grateful that I introduced this book to her at just the right time. Through the character “Dory,” she began to understand the importance of speaking up for herself confidently and calmly. It made a meaningful difference in how she sees and handles everyday situations.

One proud mom moment for me was when she asked me to explain the title in depth — it turned into such a meaningful conversation about confidence and self-expression.

My daughter and I recently read this beautiful book together, and I have to say—it's extra special because this was the first book she read all by herself! She picked up so many new words and absolutely loved the illustrations. The language is simple, engaging, and perfect for young readers. And guess what became her favorite part? The cheese toast recipe! She has already tried making it all by herself.

Being a parent, it becomes our responsibility to introduce our children to books they can relate to—ones that help them learn meaningful lessons for life. Books are not just about reading; they shape a child’s thoughts, emotions, and confidence from an early age. They begin to understand real-life situations gently.

You must pick this book if you are a parent of a school-going kid. You’ll find this book a light-hearted read filled with gentle life lessons.

Awesome work, and many congratulations, ma'am, for your first children’s book! We’re already waiting for Part 2!

BOOK REVIEW ON INSTAGRAM

 Have you read this book with your kids? Let me know what book you are reading to your kid. Share a book suggestion for 7-year-olds. 

This post is a part of the #Blogchatter A2Z Challenge 2026.

Also, check out other kids' and parenting book reviews here:

Rupali Khattar talks about her book Just The Way You Are | Interview

You can also explore my AMAZON STOREFRONT link and Facebook and Instagram page.

#KidsBooks #BookReview #ParentingJourney #RaisingReaders #ChildrensBooks #MomLife #LearningThroughStories #BedtimeStories 

Ruby’s Worry Book Review: Helping Kids Express Their Feelings

Book: Ruby’s Worry
Author: Tom Percival

Age Group: Ideal for 3–7 years

Genre: Children’s Fiction / Emotional Well-Being
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Pages: 32
Rating: 4.5*/5
Reading Time for the blog: 3 minutes

 Order your copy here

Summary

This is a storybook by Tom Percival. It is the story of a girl named Ruby, who is carefree and full of life. She loves swinging up high and exploring wild, faraway places. But one day, she discovers a “worry.” She doesn’t understand it at first and, by ignoring it, unknowingly allows it to grow bigger and bigger.

The worry is following her everywhere like her shadow—on the school bus, to the park, and even during breakfast. But Ruby doesn’t take any action to address it.

Finally, one day, she realizes something important. She meets other people who also have worries, but they, too, are not doing anything about them. That’s when she understands that everyone has worries—but the real question is how to deal with them.

 Introduction

Being a school-going child, kids often feel anxious about various things, such as their daily schedule, exams, friendships, and more. But occasionally, they forget to talk about these feelings with their parents, teachers, or close ones.

Because of this, they are not always able to manage their emotions effectively.

Why You Should Read This Book

If you want to raise emotionally aware children, books like Ruby’s Worry are a must-have.

It’s not just about reading—it’s about helping your child understand that their feelings are valid, and they’re never alone in them.

Parent Takeaway

This book is a wonderful starting point if your child:

• Hesitates to talk about their feelings
• Gets anxious in new situations
• Tends to keep things inside

It helps you introduce an important idea naturally:
* Talking about worries makes them feel lighter.

Conclusion

But kids mustn't ignore their feelings.

As parents, we can support them by encouraging small habits like talking, sharing, or even journaling. Helping them express one feeling at a time can make a big difference in how they handle their emotions.

To understand how Ruby manages her worry and makes it disappear, you must read the book with your kids. It beautifully shows how to handle such feelings if they come back again. You must grab your copy now.

This post is a part of the #Blogchatter A2Z Challenge 2026.

Also, check out other kids' and parenting book reviews here:

Rupali Khattar talks about her book Just The Way You Are | Interview

You can also explore my AMAZON STOREFRONT link and Facebook and Instagram page.

Have you ever noticed your child holding back their feelings?
I’d love to know how you help them open up—share your experience in the comment box below.

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Something my daughter said stayed with me long after the moment had passed.

Recently, we were on a short vacation at Taj Surajkund. In the evening, we stepped out for dinner at Molecule Air Bar, just near the hotel. It was one of those simple, happy moments—good food, relaxed conversation, and the four of us sitting together, talking about our stay and already dreaming about our next vacation.

In the middle of all this, my daughter looked at me and said something I didn’t expect.

She said, “Mama, I feel so blessed to have a little sister.”

I smiled, but before I could respond, she continued.

“Mama, earlier, when we used to go out or on vacations, I used to be alone. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy myself with you and Papa—I did. But now I enjoy it more. I can play with Nayra, talk to her, walk with her, read books with her, and laugh with her. And as an elder sister, I want to take care of her. It feels like a responsibility… and I like it.”

We both laughed in that moment, but something shifted quietly inside me.

In that instant, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It reminded me that choosing to have a second child wasn’t just about expanding our family—it was about giving my first child a companion, a sibling bond that is completely her own.

As parents, we often get caught up in the chaos—managing routines, handling sibling fights, dividing attention, dealing with guilt. There are days when it feels like you’re not doing enough for either of them. Days when both children need you at the same time, in completely different ways.

But moments like this gently reassure you.

They remind you that what feels messy right now is slowly shaping into something meaningful. That the bond between siblings takes time, but when it begins to grow, it becomes something beautiful to watch.

Yes, there will be phases when both kids demand individual attention. When they compete, complain, and test your patience. But that too is just a phase. It passes.

And then one day, without you even realizing it, they start finding comfort in each other. They become playmates, teammates, and little partners in their own world.

That’s when you pause and feel it—you’re doing okay. Maybe even better than you thought.

This is just a small reminder from a mom of two: not every moment needs to be perfect. Some moments just need to be felt.

Motherhood moves fast. What feels overwhelming today can turn into a memory you hold close tomorrow.

So let it flow. Let the chaos be. Let the love grow in its own time.

I’m grateful for this life, for my two girls, and for the family we’ve become.

And yes, it feels a little extra special when I say, "I'm a mom to two beautiful daughters.”

“If you’re also raising two little hearts, I’d love to know—have you ever had a moment like this with your child? Share it with me in the comments.”

This post is a part of Blogchatter A2Z Challenge 2026.

Blogchatter is truly close to my heart. It gave me the opportunity to write my book The Essence of Motherhood through the A2Z Challenge. That journey not only boosted my confidence to share my thoughts but also gave me a meaningful platform to talk about real, practical motherhood.

If you enjoy reading about honest and relatable experiences, do explore my other blogs on motherhood. And if this resonates with you, don’t forget to share my book with moms and moms-to-be who might find comfort and connection in it.

My Journey from Breastfeeding Struggles to Finding Nurture

MotherhoodUnplugged #SiblingLove #MomOfTwo #ParentingJourney #GratefulHeart #RaisingPrincesses #FamilyOfFour #TajSurajkund #MomBlogger

A real mom’s story of going from breastfeeding challenges to exclusively breastfeeding her baby. If you’re a new mom struggling, this one’s for you.

Entering Motherhood

·      Are you a new mom wondering what lies ahead?

· Do you find yourself worrying about milk supply or doubting if you’ll be able to breastfeed?

If yes, then welcome—you’re not alone.

When I delivered my first baby girl in February 2019, I was equally overwhelmed and clueless. I still remember when my gynecologist came to check if my milk had come in. I had no idea, and she pressed my breasts roughly to confirm. The staff helped me with the first feed, but at night, they gave my baby formula, saying “the mother needs rest.”

Doctors, pediatricians, and nurses came to see us before discharge, but one crucial person was missing—a lactation consultant. At that time, I didn’t even know what “lactation” meant. Though the discharge papers mentioned feeding every two hours, no one explained it clearly.

On the 6th day after delivery, my daughter was hospitalized with jaundice. I was told to pump milk for her, but being weak and still recovering, I couldn’t manage well. I did pump occasionally, but without consistency. Thankfully, my baby continued to grow well, and her weight gain brought me some peace of mind.

Discovering Breastfeeding Support

Back then, awareness about breastfeeding was limited, and consultations were often expensive. I had attended prenatal classes for exercise and delivery prep, but none focused on breastfeeding. My japa maid offered little help and mostly criticised me, which only made things harder as a first-time mom.

After 40 days, once I was allowed to step out, I finally met a lactation consultant. She identified latching issues and explained nipple confusion—a term I had never heard before. With her guidance, I was able to directly breastfeed my baby for 2–3 months and relied on pumping every 4 hours to build my supply.

I’m forever grateful to Dr. Shilpi, who gave me confidence, and to my supportive husband, who immediately invested in an electric pump without a second thought. With his help and my persistence, I continued giving my baby breastmilk for the first six months.

That phase taught me an important lesson: something is always better than nothing, and every effort counts.

What I Learned as a First-time Mother

1.    Fed is best: Whether breastmilk or formula, what matters is that your baby is nourished and doesn’t go hungry.

2.    It’s your choice: A mother has the right to decide whether to breastfeed, formula-feed, or combine both.

3.    Knowledge is power:  Awareness and education make the journey smoother. During COVID, online workshops and lactation classes became more accessible, covering topics like breastfeeding basics, postpartum challenges, and newborn care. These resources prepared me better for my second baby, where I was determined to exclusively breastfeed.

My Breastfeeding Journey as a Second-time Mom

I am grateful to God—the mother in me was always awake, and I had always envisioned exclusively breastfeeding my second baby, no matter what it took. To prepare myself, I attended workshops, connected with mothers who were breastfeeding exclusively, and read numerous books on the subject. Along the way, I also embraced positive affirmations and often found myself daydreaming about this beautiful journey.

I can't thank my family enough, especially my elder daughter, for their immense love and support throughout. Today, I feel so proud to have completed one year of a successful breastfeeding journey with my second baby.

Being a positive person, I continue to look forward to learning new things that can help my child grow and thrive. My heartfelt gratitude goes to Gayathri Kanumuri, the founder of Naricare Breastfeeding, a wonderful platform that supports expecting moms, new moms, and experienced mothers throughout their motherhood journey.

 You can read more about Naricare at the end of the blog.

What Helped Me Continue Breastfeeding

·       Meeting a lactation consultant

·       Using a breast pump to stimulate supply

·       Trying different feeding positions

·       Practicing skin-to-skin contact

·       Staying hydrated and following a proper diet

When Breastfeeding Finally Clicked

It didn’t happen overnight. But gradually, my baby and I learned together. Latching improved, my supply stabilized, and my confidence grew. One day, I suddenly realized that I was exclusively breastfeeding—without stress, without pain. It required patience, consistency, and determination.

My Advice to Other Moms

·      Don’t compare your journey with others.

·      Get professional help early—lactation consultants are lifesavers.

·      Combination feeding is okay while you work on supply.

·      Remember, breastfeeding is a skill you and your baby learn together.

·      Most importantly, fed is best—but the right support can help you succeed in breastfeeding.

What NariCare Offers: 

      •         Personalized Consultations: One-on-one sessions with certified lactation consultants to address individual breastfeeding concerns.

     •         Continuous Support: Unlimited text assistance and access to a dedicated WhatsApp community for real-time guidance.

     •         Holistic Postpartum Care: Services including nutrition consultations, workshops on introducing solids, postnatal yoga, core rehabilitation, mental wellness support, and newborn sleep guidance.

NariCare has successfully supported over hundreds of mothers across India, Australia, the USA, and Canada, helping them navigate their breastfeeding journeys with confidence.

Connect with NariCare:

     •         WhatsApp: +91 81421 44762

     •         Website: https://naricare.com

     •         Instagram: @trynaricare

     •         Facebook: NariCare

“You can reach out to Naricare and mention my reference—"Blogger Radhika Jindal"—to get the best guidance and support”. 

Also, You can also check out firstparents.com! I absolutely loved their journal and the session on what to eat after delivery. Don’t forget to use my coupon code RADHIKA10 to get 10% off on their website."

Conclusion

Once I believed I’d never be able to breastfeed. But here I am—one year of successfully exclusively breastfeeding my second baby.

To every mom who feels defeated: I see you. Your love is enough, your journey is valid, and your struggles do not make you any less of a mother.

Have you faced breastfeeding challenges? Share your story in the comments—we need to normalise the not-so-perfect side of motherhood too.

Also read, JUSTBEMAMA: Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Treats

        Also read, Pregyanam Helps You Achieve Your Pregnancy Goals

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