One Bump Or Two?

Is your family complete or are you broody for another baby? Here’s how to work out what’s right for you.

- Jo Dunbar

Years ago you probably had your future all mapped out: perhaps you always imagined yourself as a parent of four, or presumed you’d be content with one child? But now you’re a mum and immersed in your very own baby bubble, chances are you’re thinking differently. You might think it’s the practical factors such as money, childcare and health that are influencing your options, but all sorts of other elements are at play too.

According to Professor Melinda Mills, feeling broody is not an exact science, and there are a whole heap of factors that could be swaying you towards or away from wanting another baby. “It’s best to see it like a puzzle made up of individual pieces,” says Melinda. “These include genetics, hormones, your personality traits, and the family you grew up in.” So what’s your magic number when it comes to planning a family? Let’s find out!

It’s in the genes

The desire to have another baby could be something that is out of your hands. If you have lots of brothers and sisters, the urge to continue growing your own family could be in your genes. “Children of large families often replicate that and have big families too,” says Melinda. “Some people are biologically programmed to have more children and have that genetic drive. And for these people, a higher rate of fertility, coupled with the desire to have more children, means they can easily act upon their impulse to have another baby.” So if you’re part of a big family yourself, your genetic make-up could mean history is about to repeat itself.