Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Not having children

65 replies

curiousS · 27/09/2024 17:17

May not be the right place to post but didn't know where else to post...
Do you ever come to terms with not having children if you want them?
I'm almost 40. Singe and always wanted to have a family but not in a desperate way. I was always happy to let nature take its course.
I always believed it would happen if and when it's meant to be.
Well. It hasn't happened. I've not dated much. Even though conventionally speaking I'm attractive enough and have the right attributes.
I'm so laid back and easy going that I genuinely do get along with most people.
I always thought it would happen easily for me. But, here we are.
I'm not the kind of person who would want to do it alone. I wanted a family. I come from a two parent family with 3 siblings so I always wanted the same.
Now, the harsh reality is that I'm nearly 40 and my time has passed.
I would never do IVF. I feel quite sad about it.
Do you get over the feelings? I'm sure you do but is it always going to sting?

OP posts:
Rickrolypoly · 27/09/2024 17:45

curiousS · 27/09/2024 17:38

@Rickrolypoly my apologies. I meant no disrespect to anyone. I probably didn't word it correctly.
I wouldn't want to do IVF alone by myself. What others choose to do is up to them.
Someone asked me why I wouldn't do it and I replied.

fair enough, totally get that POV.

Rickrolypoly · 27/09/2024 17:44

AgileGreenSeal · 27/09/2024 17:40

“maybe be careful with your choice of words”

eh?
her words are her own and they are fine!
why are you policing her speech? 🤷🏼‍♀️

eh?

Because it can be upsetting for people struggling with infertility when people say things like they don't agree with fertility treatments and people should accept their fate. I am not policing anyone- simply trying to let the OP know that she could be more mindful with how she phrases things.

OP has clarified what she meant and acknowledged.

AgileGreenSeal · 27/09/2024 17:40

Rickrolypoly · 27/09/2024 17:34

hmmm, would you say that about any other medical procedure or medicine? Why take insulin? You were meant to have diabetes, so just live with it.

People with fertility issues don't deserve a life without children when there are procedures which can help.

That being said, if you dont want IVF that is of course your choice, but maybe be careful with your choice of words...

Edited

“maybe be careful with your choice of words”

eh?
her words are her own and they are fine!
why are you policing her speech? 🤷🏼‍♀️

goodboystepup · 27/09/2024 17:39

I've come to realise now at age 40 with no children that it was for the best.

We can only enjoy our lives as we are. DH and I are now making plans to do lots of travel, lots of fabulous wine, and lots of adventures.

We have careers, a home and our cat who we fucking adore. That's what we have to work with, so we're going to have the best time we possibly can.

I must admit that it helps in some ways how much our friends with kids complain about how hard everything is and how if they could go back they might have made a different choice.

curiousS · 27/09/2024 17:39

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 27/09/2024 17:26

Why don’t you put more effort into dating?

Do you really think I haven't tried this 😂

OP posts:
curiousS · 27/09/2024 17:38

@Rickrolypoly my apologies. I meant no disrespect to anyone. I probably didn't word it correctly.
I wouldn't want to do IVF alone by myself. What others choose to do is up to them.
Someone asked me why I wouldn't do it and I replied.

OP posts:
Rickrolypoly · 27/09/2024 17:34

curiousS · 27/09/2024 17:25

Thank you. I don't agree with IVF as I believe if it was meant for you then it would happen.
I know that may seem silly but it's how I feel.
Plus I don't want to be a single mum.

hmmm, would you say that about any other medical procedure or medicine? Why take insulin? You were meant to have diabetes, so just live with it.

People with fertility issues don't deserve a life without children when there are procedures which can help.

That being said, if you dont want IVF that is of course your choice, but maybe be careful with your choice of words...

Viviennemary · 27/09/2024 17:32

UBIA · 27/09/2024 17:21

Sorry you're feeling sad OP, but there is still time. Why would you not consider IVF, if you don't mind my asking? Families come in all shapes and sizes.

There is still time of you really want this.

EmpressaurusDeiGatti · 27/09/2024 17:30

We’re both child free and childless women over there, OP, and you’re very welcome.

JaneFondue · 27/09/2024 17:29

curiousS · 27/09/2024 17:26

Thank you so much. I didn't know about this. I'll post there 🙏🏼

Lots of child free women leading fantastic lives. I am not saying you have to be child free - I am not-but perhaps the discussions there may help you find the best way forward.

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 27/09/2024 17:26

Why don’t you put more effort into dating?

curiousS · 27/09/2024 17:26

JaneFondue · 27/09/2024 17:21

You can post anywhere you wish, but you might find the Mners without children forum very useful. https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/childfree-mumsnetters

Thank you so much. I didn't know about this. I'll post there 🙏🏼

OP posts:
curiousS · 27/09/2024 17:25

UBIA · 27/09/2024 17:21

Sorry you're feeling sad OP, but there is still time. Why would you not consider IVF, if you don't mind my asking? Families come in all shapes and sizes.

Thank you. I don't agree with IVF as I believe if it was meant for you then it would happen.
I know that may seem silly but it's how I feel.
Plus I don't want to be a single mum.

OP posts:
UBIA · 27/09/2024 17:21

Sorry you're feeling sad OP, but there is still time. Why would you not consider IVF, if you don't mind my asking? Families come in all shapes and sizes.