Am I selfish for not wanting anymore children?

Question

My son is 11 months old and I love him so much but I seriously don't think I want anymore kids. Motherhood is exhausting! He is so spoiled and it seems like he's constantly crying if I'm not around him. Everyone always says it's good to have at least two kids and that was originally my plan but I don't think that's gonna happen. Does anyone here only have one child or plan to only have one child?

Answer

You're right, motherhood is exhausting! After I had my daughter I really had no desire to have anymore kids. I loved her to pieces and spent every waking moment with her but I was drained. It wasn't until she turned four that she started asking for a sibling. I also saw how happy and full my sisters homes were and loved the brother/sister dynamics (they each have three kids!). Anyway, we decided to go for it and we finally had our second (and last) child. They're 5.5 years apart and I have no regrets. Somehow it's easier the second time. You're more experienced and you don't sweat the small stuff as much because you have your other kid to take care of also. I know our family would've been perfect with just our one but now that our son is here I couldn't imagine it any other way. That being said, just see where life takes you 🙂

Answer

Not selfish at all! I'd rather be a loving parent to one than be an overwhelmed, depressed, maybe resentful parent to a second child I didn't truly want. I'll never understand why people have so many opinions about the number of children another person should have.

Answer

Girl I'm one and done too. I love my son but the pregnancy killed me. I still have tingling and pain in my leg from a herniated disc that will never leave. I haven't lost a damn pound. The postpartum depression was killer. And I can't imagine being pregnant or taking care of a newborn baby while taking care of my son. Sounds like a fucking nightmare. 
A lot of millennials are only having one. It's not selfish. We have to be the best we can be to our little boys. And if that means having one, so be it.

Answer

Not selfish at all. We're definitely one and done as well. We adore our son and I actually had a great pregnancy, but neither of us can imagine going through the sleepless nights and diapers again. He has four cousins under four so it's not like he won't have anyone to play with. I love him very much, but the idea of having another one kind of makes me want to stick my head in an oven lol.

Answer

Nope. I'm in the same boat as you. My daughter turns 11 months next Friday! My husband and I are seriously thinking "one and done" BUT other people don't seem to think so. I mean I really can't complain about my baby though, she's super chill and rarely cries-- only when she's teething or sick; started sleeping through the night at around 2 months and is just generally an "easy" baby HOWEVER it doesn't mean I want another one. I think I just lucked out with this one 😂😂
My pregnancy was easy too, no morning sickness but my labor and delivery was hell. I was in labor for more than 24 hours and finally had to have an emergency C section. 
I really hate it when people tell me I'll change my mind or assume that we want another baby.

Answer

One and done! I never want to relive those first three months of constant crying and no sleep. Also, we can't afford daycare for two kids. If I wait five years, I would be pregnant in my forties. NO THANKS. As it is, I can't wait to do more outdoorsy things and travel with this little guy.

Am I selfish for not wanting anymore children?

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