u/Not-Working-1234

I keep going back and forth on whether I should have a second child so my first has a lifelong support system. At the same time, it feels strange to want a second child partly for my first child’s happiness, almost as if I’m not thinking enough about what it means to bring another child into the world for their own sake.
I also struggle with the thought of going through pregnancy and everything that comes with it again, only for my children to potentially grow up not being close or not having the kind of relationship I had hoped for.
I’m not looking for the usual “there’s no guarantee they’ll be close” response. I understand that. I genuinely want to hear from people who have a good relationship with their siblings. How would you describe that bond? What does having that lifelong support system actually look like in your life? And have you seen other people with close sibling relationships who truly value and enjoy having that kind of bond?
I’d really appreciate hearing your personal experiences and perspectives.

And I want to share this because I would like to know how other women feel about it. Firstly, I never wanted to have an induction. There was no reason to. But the OB forced me into it saying I was pre-diabetic. Ok? So what if I am a pre-diabetic? My results were perfectly normal after each meal and well controlled all throughout. Once she got me scheduled for induction, I started the countdown in my head. I was freaking out thinking about labor without knowing what was to come. It’s the big day - I am expected to be at the hospital during night so they can start the process, expected to deliver next day. Was hooked up to an IV and fetal monitor. Not comfortable at all with the whole arrangement. Everything feels so unnatural. Not dilated at all. Started me on pills and then pitocin. Experienced the worst shaking all night with intense back pain, only to be told in the morning still no progress. They still keep me with the hope of starting me on pills and maybe even use a balloon. No progress the next day or night and no balloon either. On top of all of this, nurses kept repeating that this is what happens when you force the baby out. I felt so bad for myself. Those 2 days were HELL for me. On day 3, the OB says we have 2 options, either start the whole process with pills and pitocin or go home. Immediately I knew I was going home. Hadn't eaten in 2 days, wasn't allowed to. How could my body possibly be ready to deliver while I was starving? We cry. I take a shower and we go back home. I remember the drive was so silent. I was crying thinking I was supposed to leave with my baby in my hands. Was advised to walk for HOURS. I repeat was advised to walk for HOURS in this condition. Also told to go get an ultrasound to make sure the baby was doing ok with all the meds given to me. She was fine, thank god. But I was NOT.

Finally went back after 2 days, restarted the process, the IV, pitocin, epidural and indescribable back pain - baby arrives next morning. Have you ever heard someone being sent back home from an induction without delivering? Forced into an induction?

I really want to know if anyone had a similar experience as me because it just seems unfair. We had our daughter's one year blood test scheduled recently and we were referred to the main office of the pediatrician we go to and they told us that it would be better if we get got her blood test done at that location because they know how to work with kids. So we gave it a chance thinking we're giving our daughter the best possible experience but what do we find out when we reach there? The person who tested her had no interest in even looking at her or interacting with her like a normal pediatrician would. She seemed so careless with how she handled the testing she not only did it once, but had to do it twice, once on each hand because she missed the vein. I was actually told by my friends that they usually do a finger prick for such tests, but it turns out that they do a regular adult-like testing. I cannot forget how much my daughter cried that day. This is the worst experience ever, worse than a vaccination appointment. Is this normal?

A 30-day cancellation notice seemed totally reasonable when I first joined because I had no plans to cancel for at least a year. But here we are, just a few months in, and I’ve officially hit my breaking point. I’ve been trying to incorporate classes into my schedule, but honestly, it always feels like I’m working around their schedule. The way I see it, they decide to spare a few classes for me, and I’m supposed to somehow make those work.

The waitlists have always been ridiculously long and make absolutely no sense. And the schedule itself is so boring. Like, why is there basically no Center & Balance after 5 PM?! Is this brand designed exclusively for retired people who can come to the studio whenever they want?
At this point, I’m literally dragging myself to classes because I’ve reached my breaking point… except I still have to suffer through 8 more classes because of the 30-day cancellation policy. I knew what I signed up for, but I genuinely didn’t realize how frustrating the scheduling would be.

Like I would rather be without a stroller than carry it because of how heavy it is and the hard time it gives me while folding it. My wrists hurt each time I unload/ load it into the car. I feel so frustrated everyday and hate myself for choosing "the best" stroller on the market. Please suggest some inexpensive alternatives that I could also use as a travel stroller. Baby almost 1 yo.

I see there are a lot of suitcase/backpack combos available on Amazon but I wonder if a rider suitcase is better for a toddler? I have heard airlines don't allow rider suitcases as carry on so that would have to be checked in. Also, once they reach toddler stage, do I pack their stuff in the diaper bag or their own carry on? 18 months to be precise.