IWhy do I want a 4th so much???

[catnipkitty]

Hi All

Never posted on this forum before...we have DD1 age 5 and twin DDs who are 4 (1 yr and 4 days between them!). Up until a couple of months ago I was adamant that that would be it...BUT I have felt so, so broody for a good month now. I rationalise it (I'm 39 soon, biological clock, now or never etc) and think of endless logical reasons why no. 4 would be a bad idea (larger age gap; back to square one with nappies, bottles, sleepless nights; I was just thinking about going back to work as not worked since preg with DD1 and been long enough out of workforce; smallish 3 bed semi; blah, blah blah).

BUT I just can't shake the feeling of wanting another one. It's driving me and DH potty, we just can't come to a decision and we'd need to get on with it pretty soon.

PLEASE help! Has anyone else felt like this? Have you ignored the broodiness and it's gone away??? How about the juggling and logistics of having 4 and starting again after 4/5 years????

Thanks in advance!

Liz xx

[rosyleecupoftea]

Hi there. I know exactly how you feel. I was convinced that after 3 I would not have anymore. I got rid of all my maternity clothes and told everyone that that was it. But after only about 6 months I began to feel intensely broody. I couldnt shake off the feeling and it became the only thing that dh and I have really disagreed on (he really didnt want anymore).

I tried really hard to make the feeling go away and hoped that if I just waited it would pass. But it didnt and after about 18 months dh relented and I'm now expecting no.4 !!! Totally mad and irrational really but I'm very happy, if a little apprehensive about how I'll cope with 4.

Having said all that you have only felt broody for a month which isnt all that long, so maybe you should wait a little longer and see if you continue to feel this way. I think the fact you are approaching 40 may have something to do with it. Good luck with whatever happens.

[rosyleecupoftea]

Sorry i just re-read your post and you're going to be 39 soon, not 40!

[Sorrento]

I am in exactly the same situation expect for added fun DH had a vasectomy so we are going for ISCI next month.
I personally think it's a combination of having three close together although mine are singletons, never having the luxury of take your time with each baby and also the baby (or babies in your case) starting school.
If you think you can afford it and cope with the extra demands I would go for it, I don't like three as a number 1 of mine is always left out, sat on my knee, 4 I think works better.

[shouldwe]

You could be talking about me except my oldest is 12 and my youngest 5, I have never felt this broody, it hit me completely out of the blue and has been with me for about 5 months. Still in two minds but I think I am slightly tending towards one more, but what if it doesnt end there.

[catnipkitty]

Thanks for your replies..good to know I'm not the only one that's a slave to my hormones . Still no decisions made, tho DD1 announced to her teacher apparently that I was expecting (and that it's a boy!!) and her teacher congratulated me in front of all the other mums .

[mulranno]

I had 3 very close together...3 under 3...it did feel like chaos a lot of the time...we went for a 4th when youngest was 4...was then concerned about the gap...but it has been lovely...what we thougt we would loose with the others (time..etc) has been more than made up for in seeing how they have loved and cherished their baby sister...but we do have times when we cant do certain things as a family...yet..ie bike riding..hiking etc...but the are one off experiences