To not feel broody for a third child?

[Takeitinturns]

I seem to come across quite a lot of threads from posters who are desperate for a third, or at least feel in their heart that they want another, don’t feel “done”, feel someone is missing etc. But are usually weighing these feelings up against financial reasons, a reluctant DH etc.

Am i uncommon in experiencing zero broodiness, which I felt strongly first and second time round? I’m trying to make sense the fact that I don’t feel broody, don’t want another, don’t feel it would make me or my family happier, but still have the thought crop up quite often.

Also wondering whether the broodiness returns late 30s, that’s what some seem to experience.

Anyway, anyone else feel this way?

When I had my son literally the day I had him I was broody. Had my daughter 3 weeks ago. Thank fully didn't feel broody at all. Happy to stick with 2.

I can't see how you can maintain outside interests with lots of kids, unless you can afford a nanny or have huge amounts of family help nearby.

DH and I both work full time, can only afford nursery not a nanny for our only DC, and have Zero family help. Even a second child would obliterate the very small amount of free time we each get to do something for ourselves.

When I told my mum I was pregnant with my third ( other 2 were 9 and 10) she said she'd have killed herself if she'd fallen pregnant at that age (I was 37)! Imagine how I felt telling her I was expecting number 4 at age 42.

Not unusual at all. I have one of each sex, both young adults now, both much planned, wanted and loved but I knew 10000% that I was done after my second. I couldn’t think of anything worse than a third. The people I know who have more than two (and I know a lot) all seem to have really struggled in multiple ways.

I wanted DC 1 & DC 2 but have felt now desire for a 3rd, I knew after my first I wanted another but after my second I knew I was done. Both are girls so gender maybe plays a part in it for some but for me and my husband it doesn’t. My oldest isn’t biologically my husbands, had age been on our side we maybe would have had a 3rd but nearly 40 we know we are done.

No, I didn't feel broody even for number 2 - that pregnancy was unexpected (wouldn't change them for the world now though).

I’m like that. Really wanted my two DC, but then was completely done, and also never wavered.

Thanks everyone. Not really sure why if I don’t want another, the thought keeps coming up in my mind, I guess I’m feeling some kind of weird psychological pressure despite not feeling broody, not wanting to parent another, and knowing what is best for my current children. Anyone experience this too?