On the fence about having another baby?

This is your sign...

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…to not let a stranger on social media — with no actual knowledge of your life and your unique contextual constraints — oversimplify an incredibly complex decision or make you second guess the one that feels right even if bittersweet.

Did I get you there? ;)

Unfortunately, I have seen many social media post and reels on this topic, not just sharing personal stories (which is fine!) but conveying the notion that their personal story applies to everyone else’s.

“After a difficult postpartum adjustment and managing the added challenge of a child with a disability, I was worried about having a third baby. But she came out SO easy. She settled into our rhythms like she was just meant to be here… to be the one to complete our family. Our kids have the best relationship ever. I promise — you will never regret having more babies around your table…”

“We could barely pay rent and I didn’t know how we’d feed another mouth but we trusted that the God who said ‘be fruitful and multiply’ would provide and the day after our 4th baby was conceived my husband was offered a promotion at work… so this is a reminder — don’t let finances stop you from growing your family! You WILL have not just enough but abundance.”

“I never thought I’d be able to go through another pregnancy and childbirth experience after my birth injury and prolapse diagnosis. But you know what? Having him HEALED my prolapse. It’s gone! Don’t listen to fear… your next baby will be the one to heal you.”

Hear me loud and clear — I’m so happy for those for whom those stories are true. For those who received an unexpected financial windfall. Who had a calm baby that was a soothing balm to any preexisting challenging dynamics. Whose post-prolapse baby resulted in an *improved* prolapse.

AND I believe it is irresponsible and harmful for accounts to perpetuate the idea that all a person has to do is want something deeply enough… push any discomfort or uncertain thoughts out of our mind… and everything will work out perfectly!

Sometimes, despite risk and uncertainty, the pieces all fall into place. There is abundance… smooth postpartum recovery… relational harmony.