For my partner and me, a family of three (including our furry companions) felt just right, regardless of outside opinions.
There wasn’t a precise moment when we declared we were content with one child, but it became clear when our son, Leo, turned three. The experience of his birth was intense—I faced a 50-hour labor, had a forceps delivery, and struggled with significant postpartum depression. That journey left a lasting impact on me. After several years of parenting, we reached a mutual decision that we were done growing our family, and honestly, it has been a wonderful choice for us. I cherish every moment of being a mother, and my love for Leo is boundless. I chose to have just one child to protect that love.
If I were to have another baby, I honestly don’t know where I would find additional support.
For me, one child is ideal for my mental health.
I was diagnosed with postpartum depression 16 months after Leo’s birth. The first 18 months were sleepless, and my identity felt completely transformed by motherhood. While it was a beautiful journey, it also had its share of trauma and fear. The thought of reliving those early days and the potential toll on my mental well-being is daunting. After a long struggle to recover from postpartum depression, I’m not sure I could handle going through that again.
If you’re considering expanding your family, resources like Healthline provide valuable information on pregnancy and mental health. Additionally, if you’re looking into at-home insemination, Make a Mom offers a reusable option that’s unique in the market. You can check out how their process works here.
For those exploring family-building options, you might find inspiration in our post about creating new traditions in parenthood here.
Summing it all up, our choice to have one child has been a significant factor in preserving my mental health. Finding balance in parenting and prioritizing well-being is essential for us as a family.