In a message dated 7/21/98 8:01:47 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes: << Has anyone else observed " 3rd baby syndrome" ? ie: 3rd baby seems to throw mom for a loop, has trouble coping etc. Subsequent babies are no problem at all, just seem to fit right into family. I've seen this a lot. Sincerely, Pat in SNJ >> What, have you been observing my home life??? I would say based upon my own experience as well as my clients, yes, for some moms that 3rd baby seems to "unsettle" things for a period of time. It was with my 3rd baby I had bilateral mastitis at 2 weeks post partum. I was so pitiful I could not even pick up my 8 pound baby! I have always described it as feeling unbalanced with three. Other moms who have experienced this agree. When #4 came along things were way better. My husband had surgery 2 weeks post partum, we hosted an exchange student who arrived right after baby did and my eldest daughter had a slumber party two days after baby #4 and I came home from the hospital...people thought that I was nuts. But then again, I did come off of over 3 months of total bedrest after my water broke 14 weeks prematurely with baby #4. Nothing was going to confine me after that experience! Laura Scarborough RN and future IBCLC