5 Differences Between Your First and Second Pregnancy

*I was asked to participate in the #BestStarts campaign, sponsored by Well Beginnings™ at Walgreens. Although I have been compensated, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Sunflowers and Stilettos possible. 

photo by Brittany Lauren Photography 

When I was pregnant with Harley, I felt magical… like Superwoman. Now, of course it’s not all rainbows and butterflies, especially for those who experience nausea and other not so pleasant “side effects,” but, the fact that I knew I was growing human life inside of me was the most unbelievably amazing thing to me at the time.  I felt special. I felt lucky. And whether that’s right or wrong, I’m not so sure, but that is how I felt.

This time around is completely different. I have a child to care for. Two full time jobs to juggle. A house to clean up EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. There’s no time to sit with my feet up, and dream what life with this baby will be like. Now don’t get me wrong… I am still grateful for the opportunity to grow and raise another human being, and I don’t doubt that I will love our son the same as I love our daughter. But so far, there have been some major differences. Here they are:

The First MD Appointment…

Then: Casey and I knew we were pregnant with Harley almost immediately, but the doctor’s office wouldn’t see me until I was 8 weeks. I had anxiety and nervousness all day every day for what felt like eternity! Finally, the day arrives. Casey and I show up, hand in hand, only to be told that someone made a mistake, and scheduled me for the wrong day. Apparently, my doctor worked at the other office location [35 minutes away] on Tuesdays. The woman then asked what day was good to come back the following week.

“The following week?!! Woman, are you insane?!! I am PREGNANT and need to see a doctor immediately!” [Okay, I didn’t really say that, but that is definitely what I was thinking].

As tears started rolling down my face, I asked where the other office was located and begged the woman to let me go there. After making a phone call, she nodded her head, wrote down the address for me, and we flew out of that office and booked it to the next as if I was headed to the hospital to deliver this child.

Seeing that little tadpole on the monitor, hearing a heartbeat, and watching Casey’s expression as he looked at our baby, and then at me was everything I hoped for and more. It really is one of my favorite memories.

On the car ride home, I stared at the sonogram pictures, examining every little part of the body, wondering what he or she would look like. And then I prayed that he/she not have Casey’s nose. #TrueStory

Now: I casually made an appointment at a new OB-GYN’s office since we no longer live in Charlotte, where Harley was born. And actually, the appointment was scheduled with the Midwife in the office. Doc was on vacation. No biggie.

I told Casey it really wasn’t necessary for him to come with me. For someone who is extremely punctual [in my pre-child life], I ended up being 15 minutes late to the appointment. Met with the Midwife. Everything looked good.

On the way home, I called Casey to tell him we are definitely pregnant. A few days later, found the sonogram pictures in my huge cluttered bag, and was like, “Oh, here are pictures of our baby! Doesn’t it look like a monkey?!”

Weekly Bump Pictures…

Then: I think I missed two, maybe three at the most “bump pics” from weeks 8 to 38. You can view them all: HERE.

Now: Not happening. At least not every week. And there will not be a chalkboard!

Reading Baby Books and Pregnancy Updates…

Then: There wasn’t enough literature I could read! I couldn’t wait for my weekly email updates from The Bump and BabyCenter, and the 6 other websites I signed up for.

Now: Wait… people have time to leisurely read?

I’m just kidding… I love to read! But, I’ve actually experienced the real thing… a pregnancy, a child birth, surviving the infancy phase, and now raising a spicy, sassy toddler. That’s not to say that I know it all, BECAUSE I DON’T, but currently, I don’t really care if my child is the size of a lime or an apple. As long as the baby continues to grow at a normal pace, I’m fine and can spare the food comparisons.

Buying Baby Gear & Supplies…

Then: Oh, the amount of money wasted on things I HAD to have! The trendiest diapers and most luxurious wipes. Every single baby gadget and motorized piece of equipment to exist. So much unnecessary stuff.

Now: Without sacrificing our child’s wellbeing, we’re choosing to cut costs where we can. One of these ways is using Well Beginnings™ [Walgreens brand] diapers and wipes.

These diapers are hypoallergenic and contain vitamin E, aloe, and botanicals. Best of all, they are now offered at an Everyday Low Price of $6.99!! That’s insanely low for good quality diapers! In addition, they received the Good Housekeeping Seal for Drugstore Star, so I’m excited to try them! Honestly, it’s been so nice being out of diaper mode since potty training Harley. But, we survived 2+ years of diaper changing with her, and we’ll do it again with Baby #2.

The Well Beginnings™ wipes are a product we’re very familiar with in the Cittadino household. We’re always in need of wipes, so I carry a package in pretty much every day bag. We keep a package in each of our cars too. I love that they’re hypoallergenic and alcohol free, and has an easy dispenser. They’re just the right thickness and smell delicious. The ones with Shea Butter are my favorite!

To Breastfeed or Formula Feed…

Then: During my first pregnancy, Casey and I had a conversation about breastfeeding. We, yes, “we” made the decision that I’d exclusively give Harley breast milk, and no formula. As first time parents to be, that’s a bold decision to make. And for some, it’s easier said than done.

I struggled with my milk supply, and Harley needed a little more than what I was naturally able to give her. At 8 weeks, she stopped with the nighttime feedings and started sleeping through the night. Because of that, I had to wake myself up one to two times, around midnight and 3am to use the breast pump. The milk was then given to Harley the following day after each feeding, so she could have enough.

This meant that while Casey and Harley were snoozing away, I had to completely wake myself up, and listen to that awful machine sound while expressing milk. Nothing made me more miserable. Now, some of you may not have any sympathy because it’s expected that moms to newborns are sleep deprived. With that being said, in my experience, pumping is so different [AND WORSE] in comparison to nursing your baby, or tending to their needs in the middle of the night.

If that wasn’t frustrating enough, it also meant that I was unable to stock a supply of milk to have in the house. Therefore, I could never leave her for more than 3 hours at a time, otherwise she wouldn’t get fed. Talk about stress!

Around the 6 month mark, my doctor explained that getting sleep was way more important and beneficial for both me and my baby, than the additional few ounces of breast milk I was killing myself to give her. We introduced formula and it was LIFE.CHANGING.

Now: I refuse to do what I did to myself last time. I will have formula ready to go, without an ounce of guilt or shame. Walgreens Well Beginnings™ infant formula, which is just as good as the national brand (Enfamil® and Similac®), but a fraction of the price! The Infant formula is regulated by the FDA, so the quality of private label formula is not sacrificed. Hallelujah!

That pretty much sums up my 5 differences between your first and second pregnancy. I have a feeling I’ll be thinking of way more as the weeks continue, but would love to hear from you guys what you’ve experienced!

Before I go, I’ve got some exciting news for you mommas…

Enter the #BestStarts Sweepstakes for a chance to win a Walgreens gift card, the featured Well Beginnings™ baby care items and other themed goodies! It runs from July 24, 2017 – August 25, 2017. Enter below:

Well Beginnings™ at
Walgreens #BestStarts Sweepstakes

Good Luck!