The latest Scoop Labs poll reveals 26% of parents were on the fence about having kids.
Why we’re talking about it: The fence is a lonely, strange place. Hopefully these stories give you a virtual hug, no matter which way you’re leaning.
Readers say:
“I always knew I wanted children, but I also knew if I couldn’t naturally get pregnant, that adoption and IVF were not something I could handle emotionally. I have seen too many friends and the heartbreak that caused. I did change my mind regarding how many kids I wanted before we decided to have kids.”
“Didn’t think I’d have kids after getting married at 31. My husband was 8 years older and had a child. We had 4 horses, 3 cats and a dog, so I was busy! Then at 37, it hit me! I had to have a kid and was prepared to adopt. Stopped the pill and immediately got pregnant. That ended in miscarriage, but I was pregnant again within 2 months with my first baby. I had my first at almost 40, my third at almost 45. Blessed!”
“Not even once. Not during my own childhood or young adulthood, years of infertility or years of really difficult parenting that we are even now in the midst of. The love is worth it; they are worth it!”
“I was terrified of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Thankfully, my fears were overblown, and now I can’t imagine life without my daughter!”
“Was on the fence for a good 10+ years and finally decided at 40 it was now or never. I had a baby boy in September.”
