Having a third child cannot decide

@cheviot37 Absolutely no regret having my 3rd baby. She brings us so much love and joy, couldn't imagine life without her. She was very wanted and I never had any doubts, I really wanted a third baby so the decision was easy to make. The first 2 months were tough, but then it got so much easier and I dont feel like I've lost my freedom. In fact, I found it easier the third time around, as the dynamics are so different. The other kids are older and can help out. They all play together while I cooking or doing chores around the house. If you can afford it financially, go for it. Good luck!

No regrets having a third OP.

Obviously everyone's circumstances are different but, for me, I wouldn't be without him. He had a few health problems and was therefore the hardest work of my 3. I have to admit to a few "what have I done?" moments in the first few weeks. But he's now healthy and happy and our family wouldn't be our family without him in it.

Circumstances generally weren't ideal at the time and did become considerably worse, so it was a heart over head decision for me, but I think more often than not you regret the things you didn't do more than those you did.

All the best, whatever you decide.

I have a 7 and 11yo and have pondered a third for years. Changed my mind monthly. Well I'm now 16+5 with dc3. Kids can't wait. Nor can we. I'm 33, dh 41.

Just remember tho, older you get, more likely to have twins. You might end up with four...

Is it just because those around you have young children? I know how you feel as when my sister was pregnant again, I thought I wanted another. It was an obsession. Then I rationally stepped back and thought about it and decided no.
None of us can tell you what to do, but I would think about the age gap a bit. Between the children.

No regrets here.

You love your children but you worry about them constantly.
Into childhood and beyond.

A third child = 50% more anxiety.

I had my third at 37 ,easily conceived and absolutely adore my beautiful 21yearold guy ! He really has made our family complete.X

You need to be happy with your decision whatever you decide. Listen to yourself and your heart. You will live your life, nobody will live it for you. Everyone’s experience is different.

Don't you wil be straight back to square one. Enjoy your freedom which is coming soon

My dc were same as yours when DC3 was born and I was 35. I wouldn;t ever say that I regret having another but there are things I didn't consider - mostly with the age gap.
When 3rd is a baby they obviously fit in with what everyone else does but then as they get older it is difficult to find activites that everyone finds enjoyable. I would say on the whole 3rd ended up tagging along on older activites that the other way around - I have sometimes reflected on whether she missed out on some of the smaller child things that the older kids did a lot of.

Older two were always closer and still are, probably because they spent so much time playing together when they were little. DC3 is more like an only child really, in not having a sibling to knock around with (especially now both older dc are now at Uni and beyond).

Also we had to get a bigger car that has 3 full size seats in the back and holidays are more expensive/tricky as most things cater for multiples of 2!

@Cheviot37 if you're really enjoying your two at the moment I'd think twice before starting over again. I had my second recently and there is a similar age gap that you'd have between your youngest and a new baby. The main con of the age gap is that a lot of the things my eldest and I had come to enjoy doing, we either can't do or are limited to do with the baby. This has meant that most weekends we splinter off as a family. Me at home with the baby, while my eldest goes off with dad to do the activities he's come to enjoy. I think it will be a good few years before my youngest can join in properly by which time my eldest might not want to! It's not a regret, because I wanted two and I didn't have a choice on the age gap, but it's been one of the main struggles. If you have a good family dynamic that you get enjoyment out of now, I'd be tempted to enjoy that. I do think wanting another baby is quite common, they are cute and lovely, but they are constant and hard work. I do miss the independence I'd gained with my eldest. I'm back to no privacy (constant toilet and shower companion!) and on my feet all the time running after a crawling baby with a love for danger! 🤣

trying to fit five people in a hotel room is an absolute arse ache. Dont do it.

If I wasn't sure I was with the right person then I definitely wouldn't. It's likely to make your marriage harder than easier!

plumtree

I knew you would have posted on this thread to say don't as soon as I read the OP. Are you on a personal mission to limit the population? I've also seen you trying persistently to talk people into going through with terminations they're not sure about. Your answer is always the same regardless of the circumstances. That's not advice, that's a personal crusade.

I wouldn't. Especially with the way things are with covid etc. Starting Alllll over again. I've got three and it's much harder than two.

If you're unsure that you want another child and unsure that you even want to stay in your marriage I'd advise against having another child.

I remember going through a similar phase when my 2 DC were similar ages to yours. We didn't go for a 3rd and now further down the line (age 46) I am very thankful that we didn't!

I think it is natural to feel a bit broody in your situation but even if you had a 3rd you would probably feel the same about a 4th and you need too stop somewhere

And sorry to piss on your chips but the reality us that planet Earth really doesn't need the population to keep increasing so having more than 2 DC is bad for the environment