To ask about your decision not to have any more children?

[MissyCooper]

I’m feeling sad tonight. Holidays over. Back to work tomorrow. And I’m clearing out the kids’ rooms to make room for their mountains of new stuff, which means ruthless clearing of tiny toys and clothes.

My girls are 4 and 18 months and they’re my whole world. However, for various reasons (mainly financial) DH and I feel quite sure that we won’t be having any more children.

I know it’s the right thing for our family. but I feel so sad about it. Sad that the baby stage of my life is over. Sad that I’ll never buy tiny vests, bottles, nappies again.

It’s made me wonder if I’ll regret this decision in later life. It’s not that we can’t afford a third - we would manage - but it would be tight and I fear would negatively impact on the girls (also in terms of the time I spend with them etc). I feel like it would be selfish.

I just wondered if anyone else had experienced this and if there is anything that can help me come to terms with it? How did you make this decision?

I have been pregnant 6 times but have 2 children. The scans, the trips to EPU etc. So so greatful that I carried two to term.

Reading the replies with interest as I feel exactly the same as the OP.

I am one of two. My mum told me recently that she wanted a 3rd desperately but the head won and they didn’t. She’s mid 60s now and also told me it’s something she’s always regretted. It works both ways!

I'm a single mum with one DD aged 6. My decision to stick to one has a few factors. I'd always wanted the whole happy full on family life, but ended up doing it alone. I'd never, ever want to do that again. I've had two miscarriages since and can't bear going through another. And finally I've started to get a little freedom back and feel like all considered, I'm pretty much done. I feel sad about it from time to time as I'm only 29 but becoming an Aunty for the first time lately has helped me with my choice. It's just not for me to have any more.

I felt the same so we had a third-I don't feel broody any more. I didn't feel able to move on with my life until we'd had DC3. Three is expensive and crazy and loud, but I knew with absolute certainly that not having a third child would have become my greatest regret. Sorry, probably not what you wanted to hear.

Just never had the desire to have anymore. I always thought I'd change my mind, but I never did. I mean don't get me wrong if I got caught no question I'd have it. Its just not part of the plan.