I thought I wanted 5 but

[winkywinkola]

although dh is fully on board, I suddenly feel trepidation.

I'm 42, will be 43 if we have another baby this year.

I wonder about getting back to work, contributing to the family finances, role model for my dcs.

I don't worry about time divided between the dcs - I know they all feel loved and get plenty of attention.

Why do I feel so doubtful all of a sudden? We'd planned to ttc next month. I'm usually so clear headed and decisive.

[MolotovCocktail]

Maybe you are content with your 4?

Why do you want to have 5?

[drnoitall]

What is age gap?
I had 5th a year ago.
It is very tiring and stressful.
I absolutely adore my baby but he is very demanding compared to the last 2.
I was very unprepared for sleepless nights to last this long!
Just saying.
Whatever you decide. Choose the option you cannot live without.

[carlywurly]

A couple of friends have 5, and a few more have 4. The differences between the families with 4 and 5 are massively discernible in terms of stress and practicalities - holidays, bedrooms, vehicles, childcare costs etc.
I know what I'd do but the decision has to be right for you. All the best, whatever you decide

[winkywinkola]

Well we have a 7 seater car already.

We go on gite/camping holidays so no real extra cost there.

I don't know. I was so sure and ready for one more. 5 is my magic number.

Why is 5 tipping point I wonder? V interested in hearing all views.

[Decisionsagain]

I've just had my fifth : ))) Am loving it. He's gorgeous. And I was so incredibly undecided. Even when I saw the positive pregnancy stick. Soon got excited again though. Our fifth child is so easy and the children are besotted. I haven't noticed any extra work whatsoever. The only slight dilemma is how to get things done when he wants to be cuddled. But that's my fault - all the others want to hold him but he's too irresistible. I say go for it.

The only thing I would say is you might not feel done. I was completely and utterly convinced I wanted five. My magic number was 7 (including dh and me). But he is so edible I want a sixth. Hoping it's the hormones. I'm the same age as you by the way.

You're in exactly the same place as I was this time last year. So glad we went for it...looks over at one gorgeous little man.

[lovelymumof4]

Iv'e been trying for number 5 for 18 months with no success. I'm 38. I'm so broody and desperate for another baby. I'm sure a fifth would be not much different to having 4.

[ladythatlunches]

I have 5. last 2 are twins so went from 3 -5 children.

they are the miat happiest, easiest contented little things :)

[diege]

I had my fifth at 41 and my sixth a few mths ago at 43. I didn't find the shift from 4-5 too bad tbh, although I can say with hand on heart that I am truly finished (off) now. Work-wise I have always returned to work (4 days a week) when my babies were 5/6 mths, and will be doing the same this time, but appreciate if you are out of the job market thwen this might be one more thing putting you off.
Logistically the numbers of babies themselves hasn't been an issue for me, more the ages (ie. now have 3 under 4) that have been difficult to cope with!

[MrsExtraOrdinary]

I have 5 of my own, although dsc too. It was much easier having dc4 and 5 than it was having, 1,2&3 under 5. Tbh I can't say it's hugely harder than 4 And that's saying something considering last year I spent the whole year ill.

[jellybeans]

I have 5 DC and adore it. Am a SAHM which makes things easier. However, like the poster above my no 5 had medical issues and was extreme hard work and we got no sleep at all for the first few months, he was in and out of hospital and would stop breathing etc. Dealing with that and giving the older 4 attention was extremely hard work. However when things got easier things settled down and so glad we had no 5!! However there is no doubt that the expense is very big and days out etc very expensive. luckily we like country walks and caravan holidays!!!!!