My DD was what was classified as a "good baby" (in fact even now most days she still is!). She was a very pleasant, easy going, independant, good sleeping and eating baby. Before having her we had already determined that we were going to have 3 children, it was something we had always discussed.

DS on the other hand would be what I would classify as a "hard work" baby, he's not "bad" but he is certainly no walk in the park like his sister. He is clingier, not as independant and his sleeping is horrendous. Sometimes in the middle of the night after another screaming episode or afetr minimal sleep DH will mutter the words "Thats it no more kids", but then the next morning when we talk about it he will say it was simply a reaction cause he was so tired and he definitely wants at least one more.

So I can certainly see how after having a "bad" child some people will be put off, especially as lack of sleep can be such a horrible experience that you may not want to go thru it again.

I know of some people who have had a "bad"child as their second baby and have openly said that if the "bad" one had been first they may not have had a second... So the answer to your question mbear would have to be yes, I can see how having a "bad" child would certainly influence the descion (sp?) to have more, just in our case it doesnt.