Difference from 4 to 5?

[tootsweets]

I have 4 children with 2 years between each all planned. We have a 3 bedroomed house and i have been a sahm for the past 2 years. When my last dc was born a year ago I thought that was it, we could move on past the baby stage and enjoy our lovely children. But I now feel I would like one more child. I think my age has a lot to do with it as I am 36 and would also like to keep to the two years age gap if possible. It feels like now or never.
So those of you with 5 or more advice please! Is it possible in a 3 bed house? Is 5 much different to 4? All experiences welcome!

[sorky]

Oh they all say that, don't they miserable gits!

I have missed you too Diege but you know somehow having 4 keeps me off MN ;)

I did consider 6 at one point ...I don't 'do' odd numbers....but my poor little body just wouldn't manage
Then I had 4 and realised that this is definitely my limit.

Hope you're all well

[Diege]

Hee hee, yes I also have a thing about even numbers, hence the 'tidying up' to 4... but then ds made my neat set of girls all messy... Good that you feel 'done' though . Oh and there is a waiting to ttc- list on the wagon now, though I am very much tentatively placed at the bottom/not on it at all... Pop in and say hello...go on!!!!

[tootsweets]

I too have a thing about odd numbers and was so sure I would stop at four, but am sure 5 would be my limit. {shuffles nervously!} I am also one of five children so it feels familiar.
Am thinking ttc number 5 around xmas if I can stop dithering and make a definate decision!

[4andnotout]

Toots we will be ttc #5 at around the same time then, we are going to start ttc in October when dd4 is 2, I'm hoping I will have weaned her by then and will have to wait for the contraceptive injection to wear off. I had to have a pg test today and was actually quite gutted with a bfn.

[tootsweets]

My dd4 will be 18months around xmas which is how long I usually wait before ttc! As I have had C-sections every time a wait 18 months is what is recommended, am also trying to lose a bit of weight in preparation as have had spd in last 3 pregnancies. I really am a glutton for punishment but they are so worth it.

[Pineberry]

four to five was a dream but had a bigger gap - 3 years
baby 5 was a soft placid love-kitten who slept anywhere and never cried ( warped memory maybe

5 to six however

[slipperandpjsmum]

I am in the same sitation. Keep thinking of trying to increase from 4 to 5 but I am concerned I maybe a little old. How old is everyone else?? It will also be my 3rd c sec which is a bit of a worry to me

[tootsweets]

Hi Slipper. I am 36 and my main time pressure is maintaining the 2 years age gap I have with my previous dcs! It works so well. If I do have dc5 it will be my 5th c-section

[slipperandpjsmum]

I am 42 so bit older!! What does the 'medical proffession' say about a 5th section and more to the point how did you find it going beyond the recommened 3?? Do you work tootsweets?

[tootsweets]

I saw my doctor before trying for dc4 and was told that the not more than 3 c-section rule is no longer universal and that each woman is different. I think it depends how previous births have gone and how you have healed etc. They still recommend 18months to recover before getting pregnant again though! My last 2 sections were the easiest and least problematic and after the 4th one the consultant said that my womb was fit for 2 more!
As for work I stopped 2 and a half years ago when dc3 was 1 only because my dh got a job 4 hours away and only came home at weekends. I managed 9 months of working 3 days a week with 3 under 5 and then gave up exhausted!How about you?

[mrsdisorganised]

Tootsweets, you sound just like me!

I have had 5 sections my dcs are 9,8,6,2 and 6 months. My best section was #5 the only downside was the awful headache which lasted until he was 10 weeks old, due to the spinal, I could have easily had it fixed in hospital but I couldn't bear to go back into theatre and didn't say anything....my fault
I can't have anymore dc's however even though like you I was told 2 more would be possible after dc4, when they opened me up this time the lining was so thin they could see ds so I was sterilised as an extra precaution, but I have been lucky enough to have 5 healthy babies and have felt that that was definitely the best course of action!

having 5 is wonderful although hard work, dh works away from home all week which doesn't help, so just me and dc's but we make it work!

Good luck

[mrsdisorganised]

Oh btw, we have a three bed house, just added a large kitchen and extra bedroom, so at the moment we have 2dds in each bedroom and ds in with us will re-arrange when the time comes! We have made a small playroom downstairs which takes the pressure off a bit, winter can be a bit much when the weather is bad but generally they spend alot of time outside in the garden and we go for walks every day!

[KatnKankles]

Noooooooooooo am not looking at this thread (see my post ^^)

Diege and SK

(waves at Mrsdisorganise)

[tootsweets]

Thank you Mrsd! Everyone assumes we have completed our family and would be shocked if we announced another pregnancy.I truly believe everyone thinks I am mad! Good news about the house though we do have the space to extend and hope to do this in the future.
Even the desire for a son has passed and as I am one of 5 girls it seems quite nice that I may well continue the tradition!!

[bluecardi]

The same work just continued - so no problem. I just kept on feeling tired lol.

[slipperandpjsmum]

Tootsweets thanks for the info on sections. Very informative. So who has decided to try for number 5???????????

[Diege]

Me . Partly to do with impending 40th, plus second youngest will be 5 in Nov and would be nice for ds (10mths) to have a sibling a little closer in age...We've got a bigger house, both got good jobs, and have the energy and enthusiasm about 90% of the time. I do think that if dh wasn't so hands on though (we share childcare pretty much 50/50, though of course I do my 50% better )we wouldn't contemplate - if fact wouldn't have got to 4!
So am I the only one?? Shall I keep a place warm for you KAT

[KatnKankles]

Let me get this one popped first!! 9 days and counting

[memorylapse]

Ive just given birth to number 5 2 weeks ago..tbh it doesnt feel much different to having 4..although I confess that my two eldest are 16 and 18 so Ive kind of cheated a little

[Diege]

Memory that's good to hear and congrats on no.5! How old are your 'middle' 2 then?
KAT, nothing like planning ahead eh . Best for luck for number 4, will look out for your news

[memorylapse]

diege..my others are 18,16,9 and 5

[tootsweets]

So, this morning I have made a doctors appointment to see if having a 5th dc is safe and possible. Feels like the first sensible step.

How is everyone else doing?