When you should consider having a baby

It’s a sad fact that couples can love each other madly and still not be ready to start a family. It all comes down to health, really.

Healthy relationship
Consider making a baby if you have a stable, committed and loving relationship.

Healthy intake
If either of you smoke, drink too much, take drugs or eat badly, you need to mend your ways and wait three months before trying for a baby. This is an investment in your future happiness and the health of your baby.

Healthy finances
Consider building up some financial reserves before having a baby. There is arguably no greater stress for couples than being short of money.

Healthy career
Again, financial stress is bad for passion and bad for relationships. So are punishing working hours. Take a long, hard look at your prospects before starting a family.

Healthy birth plan
You feel the baby should be born under a full moon with a gang of new age travellers in attendance. She wants the high tech, Caesarian option. Discuss this and reach a compromise.