8 Things To Consider When You Want Another Baby

When You Want Another Baby 8 Things To Consider

By: Michelle Brunetti

Even if you thought you would never step foot in the delivery room again (or, prop them up, actually), the desire to bear the baby bulge is different for everyone. The urge to have children can come from wanting to give your child a sibling, the love of being parents, or even the need to "carry on your legacy."

But, what if you can't, or shouldn't, yet that longing for another baby just won't go away? Whether you have one child and are wishing for another or you have five kids and just can't stop thinking about the sixth, sometimes the need to breed just won't take its leave.

Before you start to think that you're all alone on the no-more-babies front, check out a few of the reasons some moms are choosing not to continue procreating:

* Age - For some moms, the risk is too great. In women, fertility is typically affected at about 35 years old. The older the mother is, the higher the chance for complications during pregnancy and for their growing fetus.
* Finances - Considering diapers, formula, clothing, and daycare, sometimes you really just can't afford another mouth to feed. Some parents look at how another baby will affect their existing economic standing, and cannot afford a bigger house or car to accommodate a new member in the family.
* Fertility - According to the Mayo Clinic, half a million men have vasectomies each year. And, although this method of birth control is the choice of 9.2 percent of men in the U.S., 27 percent of women choose to "tie their tubes." Reversals are available for each, but they can be costly and are not guaranteed.
* Family dynamics - Adding another member to your brood doesn't just affect the parents. A few have chosen to take their other children into consideration and elect not to expand their household. Jealousy and time are common factors.
* Age gap - Some people feel that they've missed the chance to have another child, simply because they do not want their kids to be too far apart in age. For some, the feeling that they'll "never be done" raising their kids is enough to pull the plug on the idea of having more kiddies.
* Difference in opinion - Some parents are just on different pages: she wants one and he doesn't, or vice versa. It is important to consider the feelings of everyone involved. If both parents are not in agreement, there may be deeper reasons the opposing spouse has that may be the deal-breaker on this topic.
* Goals -Some families have goals of a new job, a new house, a family vacation, or more, that having another child will not allow them to reach.
* Happy with the life they have - For some, they consider their life perfect the way it is. The child(ren) they have are getting older, their household is in sync, and they just don't want to rock the boat.

All the valid "reasons" why you shouldn't continue to have more children aside, according to Elizabeth Pantley, parenting educator and author of parenting books such as Gentle Toddler Care , "If you've thoroughly examined all the issues involved in adding another baby to your family, and your heart and soul continue to have an empty spot that craves another child (or conversely, the doubt and fear are overwhelming), then perhaps you already have your answer."

What do you think is the "right" size family?

Information about the Author:

Michelle Brunetti from www.thecutekid.com/, the most respected and fastest growing baby contest with 1.7 million members. theCuteKid.com baby modeling contest is judged by Entertainment Industry professionals and awards over $100,000 in prizes annually. Do You Have a CuteKid?