watching my wife go through pregnancy, my observation is that it is physically and mentally taxing in the best of situations. regardless of any other factors, I understand why women would opt against having more than one kid or choose to opt out entirely.
I have a really understanding WFH job, an uncomplicated pregnancy and got mat leave and the whole process was still by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. And the delivery cost me thousands of dollars even with good insurance.
HOT TAKE INCOMING: I don't give a shit about what men think about birth rates because they are not the ones giving birth.
legit!
yeah we had top-notch insurance and we were still paying thousands (better than millions! the NICU statements were jaw-dropping and we were not on the hook for them). there was a time where I was delusional enough to want another kid too. sometimes we men just do not get it even when we get it.
I get wanting more than one! They’re great and cute and biologically were wired to want to reproduce! But I’d be more willing to do it if it felt like our country was set up to make having kids easier than not having them. Time off before delivery, paid leave for 6+ months. Affordable childcare.