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The impossible decision - a 3rd child?

5 replies

ForPeachBee · Yesterday 23:37

Hello all!
First time poster here.
I have a 7 year old DD and almost 5 year old DS. I feel completely obsessed about having a 3rd child. I never thought I'd feel this way. When I had DS I threw everything away at every stage. I have no maternity clothes, baby clothes, bassinet has gone, car seat etc etc. I felt pretty sure I was done, I never expected to feel like this, particularly after all this time.
I'm torn between thinking I should just appreciate the two I have and wanting to add another member to the family. How does anyone make this decision?
The crazy thing is that I had two very traumatic births and had intense PND with my first and also a very mentally difficult pregnancy with my second. Both my kids are also going through different SEND journeys.
Me and DH have discussed it briefly but I'm scared to talk it through properly because I don't think he is on board and I'm scared to try to accept that that stage of my life is over.
I always wanted 3 kids, my family is small so I always wanted to create a larger one for myself.
I have many fears about it - I'm scared of another birth and any possible health problems for me or baby, I'm scared of PND, I'm scared of not being able to cope as I may have forgotten what the baby/toddler stages are like, I'm scared of the risks of disability, I'm scared of holding the other two back with a baby in tow and a big age gap.
Despite all of this I am thinking about it 24/7 and obsessing. I did feel like this before both of my children - does that mean it is hormonal? Will it pass? I almost wish the noise would stop and I could just be happy with what I have. But I can't stop imagining another member of our family. We could do it financially and we have the space.
How does anyone make this decision?
I would love to hear any kind of advice/feedback. Does anyone regret having a third child? I have no support and I'm a SAHM.. could I cope? Will I get pregnant and instantly regret this? Is the age gap a big issue? I'm at a complete loss honestly, any advice is appreciated.

OP posts:
Whoops75 · Yesterday 23:45

In your situation I would enjoy the two I have and look at going back to work.
I have four and rearing children has been a long slog, they need you for much longer now.

minipie · Yesterday 23:54

If in doubt, don’t. You’ve given lots of good reasons NOT to have a third and only one reason TO - which is you have a hormonal urge. Not a good enough reason to outweigh all the cons IMO.

Ask yourself what happens if you had the third and then still wanted another? And another?

FunPartyIdeas · Today 00:00

@ForPeachBee How old are you currently?

ForPeachBee · Today 07:16

@FunPartyIdeas I'm 33 x

@minipie It's not just a hormonal urge, I love the idea of adding another personality to our family. I feel that with both at school I could really focus on baby too. I've always wanted 3 children and I don't agree that I would keep wanting more because I know how hard it was having a baby and a toddler, I wouldn't want to do that again and then my age starts to become a factor after that as well as money etc.

OP posts:
fairislecable · Today 07:20

It’s possible you will cope fine but also consider your third could be twins. Yes you will have your large family but it could be restrictive to your existing children.

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