Why do some women have more children

[DizzyDancer]

Than others

Why in some families do women feel the need to have 4plus kids whereas others are happy with 1 or 2 or sometimes none at all?

I know everyone is different but I know there's a biological response to proceeate.

I think a lot of people feel they wouldn't cope with a lot of dc so prefer less. They like more free time or don't have as child-centred interests. There are also people that would like more that can't or don't meet the right person. There are then people that hate the pregnancy part as well as people that can't afford more. I also know a lot where the man doesn't want anymore.

We have always wanted lots of children since we were teenagers. I don't think I will ever stop feeling broody.

*I had one beautiful, wonderful child and decided I couldn't improve on perfection.

Plus, nothing on earth would make me want to go through another pregnancy or birth.*

This. It's called quitting while you're ahead. Also I need my sleep. DH was 39 when ds was born and thought being over 40 was too old. We couldn't afford the childcare for two or conversely for me to give up work (these days maybe DH could have given up work as things have changed a bit).

We have four. I didn't feel done with ds (3) but I come from a wonderful happy family and am probably filling a gap where my parent died when I was young teen. I have fabulous happy memories and wanted to creat a future reflecting my past.
However, dc2 is disabled and very hard work and one has mental health issues. Another has some issues and after dc4 I couldn't risk the stress of being pregnant and not knowing how it would end again.

Because they don't think that global overpopulation applies to them.
Because they think the UK is not overcrowded.
Because they don't do contraception.
Because they think their children are lovely.

Sorry if I sound cynical. I am looking at a field that is about to be dug up to make new houses.

Finances!!! If we had the money to buy a larger house, then I would definitely go on to have DC3!

Just couldn't go through the sleepless nights again after two, honestly it was that simple

I have 2,I would have been happy to have another but now feel like I'm too old to do so, our house is not big enough and DH is adamant that nobody should have more than two anyway so two it is.
Other people have different opinions and feelings, clearly. The ones who have huge families may want to keep going as long as biology lets them, or are 'leaving it up to God' or are addicted to the excitement of new babies or whatever.

It's what you can cope with , some it's what you can afford

We have 2 about to adopt Rd would have adopted more if we had the room

I had 3 two years apart .. Now they are DS8 DS 6 and DD4.
Once DS got to 6... So they were 6,4&2.... I stopped feeling broody because I realised babies are really easy ... Kids are bloody hard work! Baby only lasts for 12 months... Kids are forever and homework takes forever .... I'm back st school and I don't like it!

I have 2 . I would like 3 but I'd have to come off my medication and effectively be in pain for 6 months . If we do decide to have three I'd rather do it now than wait a few years . I'll be happy if we stick with two as well. Tough call.

I swore I was never having any - we are now currently considering number 3. The first child was with previous v. bad relationship and conceived through grief and wanted so badly (after miscarriage of non-planned baby). Second child (with DH) was longed for for about 3+ years (I was so broody it was unreal and he wasn't initially sure sure due to age and big gap that would be with first - although now gap is even bigger!) but now at just turned one we are talking about when to have next (sooner rather than later) - but both agree 3 will really be our limit and absolutely perfect

I don't want any children OP. Just isn't for me. Good job we're all different though or we'd die out if you were all like me

I had one. I felt complete and that our family was complete. DH agreed. Therefore we have one. If we'd felt differently we would have had more.

Oh and DS never slept and still isn't great and I think going through that again would break me. That's a factor.

I have three. I wouldn't have another, even if money were no object, because I don't feel I would have enough time to spend on each child.

We have 4. When DC 4 was born, one of the earliest things to pop in my head was, "I'm done now. They're all here", whereas with the other 3, I felt broody very soon afterwards. I did get a bit broody around my 40th and considered popping out a couple more but I think that was more surrounding turning 40 than a desire for a baby.

Multiple birth dictated I would have 3 so need didn't come into it hugely.

I think for some women, they feel that being a mother is their strength and what they are good at, perhaps more than being career-oriented, and focus on that 100%, often having more than 2 children.

For us, we had fertility assistance with our two and are bloody lucky to have them. I occasionally think a third would be lovely but it is just wishful thinking, it won't happen now.

Sometimes it's not a matter of choice.

I had DD age 27 when I didn't think I wanted to get pregnant - contraceptive failure.

I then decided I didn't want her to be an only, so decided to try for DC2 when she was 2.5. Her dad was not on the same page and didn't agree so no pregnancy. Then we split up, so no partner = no pregnancy. When I met someone else, we tried for just over a year, until I found out I was in menopause age 36 due to cancer treatment.

DD now 14 and an only. I am single and post-menopausal. Not everyone can plan for these things. I'm very lucky that she came along when she did. It's likely if I'd have waited until I felt ready, I wouldn't have been able to conceive.

It's a really interesting question ( Though perhaps could have included the father's input!).

I was lucky in that not one of my 3dc were planned. I would love another but should not due to 3 cs in a row and lots of internal scarring (v close) and now my youngest is 5, I feel a bit wistful. Not quite incomplete, but not complete either.

We have 4.
I don't care how many children other people have, so long as those children are loved and cared for in a stable environment IMO.

Ragwort I'm with you One child and can't possibly fathom why after the herculean task that is labour and the Hades that is giving birth, anyone would want to go through it again.

Four kids here, loved having them, easy pregnancies, sometimes easy births, enough money, big enough house car etc. Feel I had enough time to give each attention attend clubs etc. Our house is a hive of activity!

No good career to give up unfortunately, so little in the way of a barrier there.

I would have at least 3 if I had any choice in matter. Unfortunately I don't. Fortunately DD is so perfect who needs another .

I always wanted 5. Struggled to conceive my first, and it took me 10 years for the second.

Agree with Quietlife, as long as they're looked after I don't care how many children people have.