It's hard isn't it. I think we always feel a pull to have babies because it makes us (well it does me anywya) like I am fulfilling my purpose as a woman. So much of life focusses on procreation that it is hard for us to ignore what we are built to do.

As kids grow up it's natural to want to hold onto their youth, or at least to want to keep the youth of the family if that makes sense. As long as new beings come into the family it will continue to be rejuvenated and get new dimensions. And anyway, who doesn't love babies and having them around.

I have come to realise though that while I may have the urge to have a baby, it doesn't mean I want another child. I think the feeling is more that I want to keep recreating/living my current children's childhoods, as opposed to introducing a whole new being/personality into my family. And after all, they are a baby for so little time in their lifetime so really it's a question of do you want another PERSON.

You are rightly considering the impact of another child on your current family and this also has to be a big consideration. Even a mum's strongest desire to have another child should be weighed against what is best for the ones she already has. I know I simply could not give what I want to to my current kids if I were to have another pregnancy and baby.

I probably haven't helped much but I want you to know that I think it's a question the majority of women struggle with and you are not alone. Hopefully you will find a way to work out exactly why you are feeling this way and what it is you are wanting (ie a "baby", another "child" or to relive your children's babyhood etc) and find piece with whatever you decide.