Pregnant with No.5 and struggling a little!

[MalloryApples]

I'm pregnant with our 5th girl, everyone thought we were crazy for having 4 but although I find it very hard, I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm 31 weeks now and have found it very hard dealing with other people's negative or carefully neutral reactions, particularly family but also the rest of the universe save one lovely mum from playgroup who was one of five herself and loved it. I actually cried when she was so positive about it (and that was only a few weeks ago, it took that long to find someone that thought it was great news).
It's been a really stressful pregnancy as we were involved in trying to find school places for the eldest three at the same time, so have been home educating and not getting much of a break. Come September three of our girls will be in school, so the last month of pregnancy should hopefully be easier!
Right now though I'm struggling to manage with all 4 girls at home, struggling to go out anywhere due to exhaustion and the need to wee every fifteen minutes, struggling with the tantrums etc of my 6 year old who found it really hard starting school last term and is having an emotional time of it. I feel like I'm letting my kids down by just needing to rest.
I know this is all a bit of a whinge, I just don't know ANYONE else with 5 kids and only 2 others with 4. I don't like to ask for too much help as I feel like I've brought this on myself. I'm really excited about our new baby but I've never enjoyed pregnancy, I always wish I could as some people seem to but for me its something to be endured until the joy of new baby arrives.
Anyone else struggled with a 4th/5th or more pregnancy or with other people's negative reactions?

I'm 11 weeks along with dc5, sorry you're struggling, it has been very hot. I am feeling very sick!
Just wanted to say ignore the others, I have had some very positive responses, but then I've always said I want six kids.
TBH if you are not getting any offers of help or any kindness of family and friends, then I'm sorry but I would cut them out of my life, because I would help anyone out in a heartbeat. You are building a lovely big family of your own, and as the years go by and get easier, you really won't need anyone except your DH and your girls. So take mental stock of who's who in your life ATM and ' have a clear out' seriously you don't need people making you feel down, you and your family are awesome remember its other people's loss if they turn their noses up and turn their backs, how dare they? Oh and I have a 7 year old dd and they do try your patience don't they? But they come through it and mines adorable in the evenings , she will come up to bed with me and we will read books together after her being a nightmare all day.
But you are Definately not letting your girls down, you are cooking their new sister and playmate, my kids have been playing schools all week this week, all their teddies and dolls have been the pupils and they have been the teachers
Anyway hope you feel less alone now.

It will be worth it! One of my best friends is one of 5 and her childhood sounds like it was so much fun. What's more, they're still a wonderfully close and supportive family and the siblings all help each other out now they're adult. Plus these days her DCs have loads of cousins their age to play with! I'm sure you're creating a very special family. Good luck with the rest of the pregnancy.

Hi mallory. I dont have five kids, im on dc3 now which im finding pretty exhausting with the other two being off school so i really take my hat off to you.
Like you i think pg is somthing to be endured and envy the earth mothers who seem to revel in every pg related symptom.
I just wanted to say i think it lovely that you will have a big family and you should try to dismiss others negative reactions, its your life, your body and your choice.
I am already anticipating negative reactions from some family when i break the news of this dc but have resolved to let it wash over me as best i can. At the end of the day i am not asking them to carry my child or look after it once its here.
Im sure in the long run when we reach old age and are surrounded by loving family these early days will all be woth it.

Thanks, I'm feeling a bit better now. Parenting always has its ups and downs I guess!

im preg with dc4 and ive had plenty of the 'omg your gonna haveyou hands full's, 'dya think youll cope?' and that little gem 'wow glutton for punishment!'

there seems to be an unwritten rule about how many kids you can have before people stop being happy for you

and i feel ya pain about the summer hols. im 27 weeks and my youngest 2 are already bickering constantly, with my 7 yearold backchatting me. ((sigh))

Hi Mallory

I am one of 5 girls and I loved it. I have 4 best friends without having to try. Our lives were noisy, lively, hilarious and full of fun. What a fantastic gift you are giving your girls. My mum has tonnes of grandchildren and loves it. Am v jealous of your family!

Hi op.

Im 15 weeks with my 6th baby. My dc will range from 24-newborn!

I understand about how other peoples negative views affect you. I've only told my best friend & one of my sisters as i knew they would be supportive. One of my dc has SN so i don't expect anybody to understand why we've decided to have another dc.

I don't expect or get any help from my family. The only person who did help was my Mil but she's very unwell & Im caring for her now.

You know at the end of the day we have one life. Who is anyone to decide how others should live? It will get easier. Take care of yourself!

Hi Mallory,
Sorry you're having a hard time right now, pregnancy really can be a bitch can't it
But I have to say I am very jealous of you being on no. 5! I would absolutely love to have 5 children. I come from a big family and it was wonderful. I would have wanted it no other way (not that I had any choice in the matter!) And now we are adults, its even better.
Everyone else can go stuff themselves, it probably doesn't even occur to them that their comments may be upsetting for you. Please don't let them upset you.