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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

How to get over the fact that I will never have children

325 replies

Whereismyb12 · 10/08/2014 16:44

Hi all. Hope to get some benefits from your collective wisdom.

I've been with my DP for nearly 5 years. He is my soul mate. He is the nicest, kindest human being I've known. He is my friend. I really like and respect him. He is the love of my life.

When we met we were both clear that we didn't want to do the 'traditional' stuff: get married, have children, get a dog, buy a house, settle down. We found it boring. We wanted to be together and have fun - live in different countries, follow our hobbies, feel young.

5 years down the line we are married (ok, it came as a surprise to both of us and we did it in a non-traditional way, but still) and in the process of buying a flat! We did it because we wanted it and that's ok. But there is another point on the 'never to do' list which we can't agree on: children.

A desire to have a child literally kicked me in the face (or rather in the uterus) overnight, around 2 years ago. I had always been disgusted/annoyed by kids and suddenly I wanted one! I couldn't get my head around it but the feeling was very strong. I spoke about it to DP: he was quite surprised but honestly responded that he didn't share my feelings and didn't know if he would feel differently one day. We had a similar conversation a few times afterwards and the outcome was always the same: he does not have a paternal instinct, doesn't mind the children of other people (in fact he's very good and caring with his nieces/nephews) but doesn't want his own child. I talked, I reasoned, I tried to persuade him. He seems honest that there is no other reason although I think in his eyes a child may be another step towards this terrifying idea of 'settling down'. Anyway his answer is no. Every conversation ended in me crying so I stopped talking about it but didn't stop longing for it.

Recently I observed some serious pregnancy symptoms. I was convinced that I was either pregnant or seriously ill as the symptoms were so out of the ordinary. I was ecstatic thinking that this could be my dream come true! When I talked to DP about my suspicions he reassured me that we would manage the situation if we were to have a child. He was very calm and supportive. Well, after a few weeks it turned out I wasn't pregnant. Stupid me, getting my hopes up so high.

It was like my own personal disaster. Like if something inside me broke and released the unstoppable desire for a baby that I tried to muffle for the last 2 years. It is constantly screaming inside my head. I can's look at children on the internet or in the street without thinking that I will never experience this. When I'm swimming I can't help thinking it's such a shame I will never teach my child to swim. When I'm running I'm imagining how I run with my daughter. When I see a bee I want to show it to my son and explain the world to him. I just think I have so much to share, WE have so much to share, me and DP, and that parenting would be a fantastic adventure for both of us. He would be an amazing parent as he's very patient and understanding, and young at heart. But we doesn't want to be a parent and I can't make him want it.

I fully respect his right to say no. I feel like this situation is my fault as I am the one who changed rules of the game and he doesn't have to accept them. But I feel so unhappy. I try to behave like before but often I will burst in tears out of nowhere or get snappy with him because sometimes something deep inside me feels that it's his fault I'm unhappy. But then I remind myself that he's not doing it deliberately. Which doesn't really change my situation.

Long introduction but my question is shorter: how can I get rid of my desire to have a baby? I need to do it to find peace. Will it fade with time? Is there anything I can do to persuade myself that this stupid longing for children will not happen so there is no point of focusing on it? Please don't tell me to LTB as this is not an option.

OP posts:
King1982 · 11/08/2014 17:41

More children

King1982 · 11/08/2014 17:44

Secret - but you believe it's 'fear'. You buy on to it. It suits your ideals and your passive analysis of society.

Pinkfrocks · 11/08/2014 17:50

oh do stop it King- you are going on a bit about a point that the OP made herself- think you're forgetting that.

Secretblackandmidnighthag · 11/08/2014 17:52

Oh god king give it a rest.

I read the DH being terrified as being afraid. What else does it mean?

Yes I've heard of the childfree lifestyle. Many of my friends are child free by choice and very happy they are too. But of course I'm 'judging' them - I'm one of those 'breeders' trying to oppress you, aren't I? Grin

King1982 · 11/08/2014 17:53

Pink - can you not see how unhealthy it is to just assume you should have house, marriage, children.
You think because he is settled, he must now have children. If not he is 'freespirited', 'has inner demons', etc. people should just be happy. If OP wants kids, leave. I hate all the pressure and people believing that house marriage kids is their destiny/right.
Look at the amount of divorce threads, custody threads, problem parent threads. It clearly isn't black and white.

Secretblackandmidnighthag · 11/08/2014 17:57

pinkfrocks oh yes, I have a hobby like that - I'm going to be the next JK Rowling, just as soon as I'm finished reading the entire internet...

King1982 · 11/08/2014 17:58

No secret you are not lol,

I just think you buy in to society's default position (which is your choice) and expect everyone else to or struggle to see that there are other options.

If having a child is regarded as natural then you could instantly say that having more than one sexual partner is natural. Not doing both would be unnatural, but people can do one or none.

Secretblackandmidnighthag · 11/08/2014 18:01

I'm far too knackered to have more than one sexual partner these days king - chance would be a fine bloody thing!

King1982 · 11/08/2014 18:05

Secret - not wanting to be knackered could be a valid reason to not want children lol

Secretblackandmidnighthag · 11/08/2014 18:08

The most valid one of all!

dreamingbohemian · 11/08/2014 18:13

I'm afraid I agree with Secret and Pink. I have nothing against artists and dreamers -- my parents are writers, I write, I've always known and dated creative people of all sorts.

(I'm guessing your DH is a photographer btw Smile)

But they're right, he is settled down already, he has a 9-5 job and a house and a wife. If he hasn't made anything happen by 38 with all the time in the world, I'm not sure what he's waiting for. Yes most creative people do work but not so much dull 9-5 jobs that sap their time and energy. You can't put life on hold until you get your big break.

Most of the creative people I know do have kids btw, it's a bit conventional actually to think you can't combine art and kids -- if you really love your art, you live it, it's part of you whether you have a family or not.

Pinkfrocks · 11/08/2014 18:29

Pink - can you not see how unhealthy it is to just assume you should have house, marriage, children.

er...I didn't say that- ever.

I have friends who chose to be childless- friends who are not married and friends who rent.
I didn't assume anything.

But you are going on a bit about it all- rather a lot.

King1982 · 11/08/2014 18:40

Pink - you can't distinguish between not wanting children and his hobby. At no point has he blamed his lack of success with his hobby on an 'unborn child'. He isn't 'adolescent' for not wanting a child.
He doesn't need a reason to not want a child. You are so ingrained in the 'norm' that you can't see that.

It's funny really, when some thing is so culturally reinforced it's hard to see any other way.

HopefulHamster · 11/08/2014 18:45

Merce - I have heard that before, that the research into fertility declining at 35 is super old, BUT at the same time if you look at infertility treatment success rates (and yes everyone in this test group has problems conceiving, but that's the same for the younger ones too) - it's clear that it is much much harder for IVF to succeed at 42 say, then it is at 31.

Plenty of women conceive in their late 30s, but plenty don't too - and by then you have limited time to seek treatment if you want it.

Won't matter for most people, but not 'all'.

expatinscotland · 11/08/2014 18:56

Sounds like an immature man-child. Stop focusing on supporting him, his wishes and dreams, etc etc and develop your own.

merce · 11/08/2014 19:01

Hopeful - yes of course you make a totally valid point. But I think the message that women get is really over-exaggerated and almost as if it is intended to terrify us all into being barefoot and in the kitchen rather than bothering all the men in the workplace if you know what I mean. The other thing that the overall stats (not the IVF ones you cite) miss, of course, is that couples in their 20s tend to have a LOT MORE SEX than knackered couples in their 40s….. which - strangely enough - has quite a bit impact on their chance of getting pregnant each cycle. Apparently the standard stats don't adjust for that and if you do make that adjustment the 'drop off' gets even less pronounced.

whippetwoman · 11/08/2014 19:10

I've found that nothing keeps you feeling young as having children does. My eldest is 12, I had her at 29. She now introduces me to music she likes, books she reads and shows me stuff online. My 10 year old jabbers away about Minecraft. I love knowing about these things and making new discoveries through them. Children don't mean the end of creativity, new discoveries and hobbies, they can often be the start of it.

What I am trying to say, clumsily, is that I don't get why your DH might think that he wouldn't be able to pursue a creative job with children, why he thinks children would change things for the worse instead of being a whole new beginning of fun and adventure and creativity. Perhaps you could try that tack because at 42 I have learnt loads of new cool stuff (for me) and don't feel middle aged at all.

Probably very badly put, so I apologise if this seems unhelpful OP.

Dontgotosleep · 11/08/2014 19:12

Aww you can't get rid of the desire of wanting a baby. It's not a desire it's a need and it can't be compared to any other need. Emotions don't work like that. What an easy world it would be if they did.
Might be flammed for this but couldn't you have a "happy accident", they do happen.
Good luck o.p. I hope you're blessed with a beautiful baby one day.

BranchingOut · 11/08/2014 19:12

As an aside, I found that having a child was very effective in focusing the mind, rather a la Samuel Johnson...

I wrote a list of everything that I have accomplished since becoming pregnant, but realised it was rather identifying! But just as an example, I began writing articles for publication while on maternity leave - mostly because I lost the fear of being 'good enough' and just got on with it!

deepest · 11/08/2014 19:13

You have spoken to him frequently (for over 2 yrs?) and he knows how deeply emotional this is for you.

It is equally deeply emotional for him not to have children "now" and he is not giving you any ball park as to when it could be OK - ie when I get my No 1 single or a residency at Fabric (I reckon he is a muso/DJ?). So it is "indefinite" for him. This is no use to you.

Your relationship is at a impasse.

He has been here before with his previous partner - so well aware and seems to be happy enough with the natural consequences of standing his ground - ie you leaving him.

Next steps to in order to clarify the situation further and leave no stone unturned should be:

  • Show him this thread.
  • Get both of you along to counselling (recommend Relate).
  • Then you give him a "window" to think it thru - say 6 months.

If he doesnt bite you need to move on with your heart...your passion for a child is deep will only get deeper and you should not deny yourself this. The real love that you feel once you have your child is a million times more powerful that you can ever imagine.

IMHO (and I suspect those who are also mothers) no man (even George Clooney, David Beckham, Robbie Williams, etc)....is worth not having a child/being a mother for

BranchingOut · 11/08/2014 19:15

The only thing is, be careful of literally being left holding the babies while your DH is constantly off being 'artistic'.

Does anyone else remember the thread where the DH wanted to go off and 'make it' in Nashville, leaving his DW to look after two under-fives?

MillyMollyMandy78 · 11/08/2014 19:33

OP I found myself in your situation, five years ago, aged 30. dH just didn't want kids, never has. i used to feel the same, but my feelings changed and I desperately wanted kids. Things were very hard for the next few months while i came to terms with things and looked at my options. But like you, I wanted kids WITH him, and if not would rather have him than walk away from the man I loved.

Would like to tell you that it's easy from there, and mostly things are good. We got a couple of dogs, which although not the same as children in any way, helped provide an outlet for some of my nurturing, loving feelings. But mostly I reminded myself as often as needed that he didn't 'do this to me', I made a CHOICE to focus on my marriage and that he had every right to not want to be a father, we were just unfortunate not to agree on this, nobody was in the wrong. It also helped to be completely upfront with how much it affected me, and how devastating it was to see other mums with their children, or hear of someone's pregnanc etc

Some days I struggle, very much, and it is a storm to be weathered, but most days i am very happy with my choice. At the moment, I am struggling a bit due to my best friend announcing her unexpected pregnancy. Finding this one particularly hard as I am now the only one in our friends/ families not to be a mum (except my younger gay sister). It is a roller coaster, but life is mostly on the up. I hope you find peace with your decision.

I also came on here a few years ago, seeking advice and was told to have an 'accident' or bully him into it. What a disgusting thing to do to both the man you love and the potential child. Not good for anybody!

Pinkfrocks · 11/08/2014 19:34

King
You have a habit of reporting what someone has posted but changing it slightly- to suit your own agenda.
Like here:

Pink - you can't distinguish between not wanting children and his hobby. At no point has he blamed his lack of success with his hobby on an 'unborn child'. He isn't 'adolescent' for not wanting a child.

I don't know what your first sentence means- so will leave that to you to explain...

You are right- he hasn't blamed his lack of success on an unborn child. (I didn't say he had) Nor did I say he was adolescent for not wanting a child.

What I DID say that it's easy to blame other people and for example the demands of a family for stopping yourself doing things. He has already more or less said this- that's why he bangs on about wanting 'freedom'.

I didn't say he was adolescent for not wanting a child. I said he was behaving like an adolescent for wanting this so-called 'freedom' and not wanting to 'settle' down ( at 38.) when in fact he is already settled.

Please will you stop mis-reporting what I and others say. You are engaging in something akin to chinese whispers! You take a point made by someone then change it ever so slightly in your post so that it doesn't mean what I said- but something you'd like to think I said.

And will you also stop attributing attitudes to me which are false. I don't buy into this 'must have house, marriage and baby' which you seem to accuse me of wanting for everyone.

venusandmars · 11/08/2014 19:39

dontgotosleep sorry but I disagree. In so many ways.

King1982 · 11/08/2014 19:41

Pink - you have done exactly the same to the OP's husband. You sure are funny

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