To have a 2nd child even though I'm not feeling broody yet?

[monstergoose]

I've always been convinced I'd have only 1 child, and my DH has said that he'd be happy with 1 although wouldn't mind 2. Our DD is 18m and over the last month or so we've had a few chats about having a second. I can see how having a second would be great for DD, someone to play with etc etc and if we were to have another I think I'd prefer to have a small rather than large age gap.

But I don't feel broody in the slightest. I did before DD, achey to have a child, but now I can see in a practical way that if we want a small he gap then we need to start trying, but I'm not desperate I have another yet iyswim?

I had a crappy pregnancy and really didnt enjoy being pregnant at all. although DD wasn't a difficult baby as such we had a few issues (late diagnosed tongue tie, reflux, Cow and soy intolerance) which meant it wasn't all plain sailing. So I'm wondering whether that is masking any broodiness, as the thought of being preg or having a newborn again really isn't appealing.

Also, from a selfish point of view I can see how life with an only would be better materially and maybe easier mentally/physically but I have this nagging doubt that we'll regret having only 1 child.

So what should we do, wait til I'm broody (which I'm worried might never come) or TTC now in order to 'plan' our family?

"Feeling broody" is not a necessary requirement for having a child. One might even say that it's hardly even a good reason to have a child. Creating a whole person, who you will be responsible for forever, to get rid of an uncomfortable feeling? Sounds like a silly idea.

Having another child because you think your life (and your partner's life, and your existing child's life) will be better if you have one, that's a good reason.

Sticking at the one child because you think your life (and your partner's life, and your existing child's life) will be better with just one - that's also a good reason to stick with just one.

The "broodiness" isn't really an important factor in the decision. Or it shouldn't be.

Nobody can tell you the answer to that one - it's your decision.

I've got two with 2 years between them and its bloody hard work but lovely at the same time. The jump from 1 to 2 is nowhere near as gardas becoming a parent first time round but it is so much busier!

I always wanted more than one as I always wanted my DS to have a sibling, but it is a hugely individual decision &you aren't going to get your answer here