However, make sure you consult your gynaecologist before going for any contraception.

Where to Go?

All the birth control methods and counselling about family planning is available with the Family Planning Association of India.

Alternatively, you can consult your gynaecologist for the necessary information and help.

When to Plan and How?

When you want children depends on you, but when do you plan your second child? Gynaecologist Dr. Sudha Tandon suggests, "Usually, a two to four year gap is fine while going for the next baby. But there are people who have another child with a year's gap too," she says.

But if you have had a Caesarean the first time, Gynaecologist Dr. Mohan Raut advices to wait for at least three years before the next. "This is because, if you had a C-section the first time, you lose more blood than in a normal delivery. So, your body takes some time to recover, so it is best to wait," he says.

Financial Aspect

Now that you are having a baby, the expenses are going to mount and you need to start investing and saving more.

Financial Advisor, Gaurav Mashruwala suggests starting early is a good idea. "You must get a health insurance for your baby. This is because if the child falls ill, you may have to dip into your savings to meet the expenses. This will result in the family's wealth getting eroded," he says.

The next step is to start saving for the child. There are three aspects here. You save for:

• The child's higher education
• Career plans
• Marriage

You have to be very disciplined about savings and investments. Ideally, all investments should be made in your name and not your child's. Because, if there is an emergency in the family, you may not want to withdraw from your child's account or break her fixed deposits. But if it is in your name, you won't hesitate to do so.

Author: Jayshree Mulherkar

(The author is a freelance writer)