Just as good the second time round

Things have been decidedly quiet here on The Feminist Gadabout for some time now, and there’s a simple explanation: I had another baby! Earlier this year we were overjoyed to welcome our second little girl into the world. Being pregnant and caring for a toddler is no joke; I have never been more exhausted. Now our second is a few months old things are starting to settle down a bit, but there’s still no escaping the fact that life is a lot fuller (mostly in good ways) than it used to be. I’m planning to write a little about my experience with pregnancy this time round, and things I’m learning about having a second child, so I’ll keep things fairly brief here. It has been deeply challenging, and there were times during pregnancy when I thought ‘what on earth have I done?’. But now I’m out the other side and have an utterly delightful little person to show for it, it all feels worth it.

The world has and hasn’t moved on since I first gave birth, and one thing that I’m painfully aware of is the plight of so many children in Gaza, Sudan, and across the globe facing unimaginable horrors. The mothers who don’t have access to the very basics their children need to survive, let alone the incredible support systems I could rely on throughout pregnancy and since the birth of my daughter. We’re also in a political moment where pregnancy and child-rearing are increasingly politicised, from attacks on abortion rights to conversations about the so-called ‘fertility crisis’ and ‘traditional’ roles of women. It’s a weird time to be raising a child, and particularly a girl. But it makes me more determined and convinced than ever that we owe it to the next generation to be part of the solution. At a time of great cynicism and pessimism, creating a family feels like the most optimistic thing I’ve ever done.

If you’re interested in playing a part in tackling these issues, I’ve linked some places you might want to take a look at below.

Save the Children Australia
Medecins San Frontieres Australia
Amnesty International Australia

Every day is a school day with two children, and I feel I’m learning as much about myself as I am about the kids. I’d love to hear any tips or advice you have about surviving these early years as a new family of four. What got you through the endless cries of ‘mummy, mummy, mummy!’ and the constant need to be in two places at once? Please do share any wisdom you’ve gained in a comment!