Anyone else grieving no more pregnancies?

stgn01

I had a discussion with DH last night at dinner about not having anymore kids.  We both agreed on 2 kids for a number of reasons.  But he asked if I was thinking about a 3rd and I said of course.  I had such a good labor and delivery experience this time (as opposed to my last L&D experience) that I could totally do that again.  But I know that 2 is probably our limit.

I started crying when I was talking about grieving not having anymore kids.  I don't really like being pregnant, but I'll miss that special bond with baby.  And a woman's big purpose in life is to reproduce and now that part of my life is over.  So I feel like I'm mourning that part being done, even though I was never really a big fan of it to begin with.

Am I the only one that feels this way?  It's so crazy because I never liked being pregnant and totally hated delivery (the first time) and now I feel like I'm really going to miss it. 

Hyaline

I think it's totally normal to grieve a little for anything you're going to leave behind forever.  Even if you don't love being pregnant or labor or having a newborn or whatever element of the process you find challenging, knowing you'll never do it again is hard--I don't think humans are programmed to like final decisions like that!  I know we're debating if we'll have any more biological kids (we want to adopt as well) and while caring for a newborn is kind of not my favorite thing, there are things I would miss if we didn't do it again.

526SadieSadie

When we've talked about it, two has been our target number, three MAYBE if we can financially swing it.  We agreed that DH would have a vasectomy but when I think about the finality of actually having the procedure done, my palms get sweaty.  It's sort of daunting to say "ok, no more, that's the end". 

My best friend has a 10 year old son and her fiance has two early teen girls.  They decided not to have any kids together and I'll be honest, I cried when she told me.  It's all so final.

nicari_13

DH's vasectomy is scheduled for next Monday, and even though it's what we've agreed on, planned on the whole pregnancy with DD2 and prepared for; I'm freaking out. We talked about it last night and finality is hitting both of use. We both agree we don't want another baby, but something about making it permanent is really, really scary.

Hormonal BC isn't an option for me and we both HATE condoms so this really is our best option. I'm just really hoping it isn't something we regret later.