Choosing whether or not to have children is one of life's biggest decisions, and it's usually a topic of conversation that comes up if you're about to start a relationship with someone. It can be a tricky subject, especially if you're not on the same page.
A woman has recently shared her devastation after her husband told her he doesn't want another child, and has suggested they get a dog instead.
The pair have been together "for years" and share one child together who is almost four years old, but the woman is aching for another baby.
The anonymous woman took to Kidspot to ask for help from Melbourne mum-of-three and writer Laura Mazza. She explained: "For two or three years now I have been trying to discuss the possibility of trying for another baby with my husband. He shoots me down each time, becoming angry and sullen each time I bring it up."
Her husband has gone as far as to say having another child would "end their relationship".
After the birth of their first child, the woman explained how her husband suffered from depression, but has "come a long way" and she has "been supportive of him".
She also put her career on hold while she stayed at home with the child. The mum is now worried about the fact that she's "not getting any younger" and that if she now re-establishes herself work-wise "it will be difficult to have another baby".
The mum added: "I tried to let go of the notion of having another child, but my heart bleeds at the thought and I find myself becoming very blue."
Laura offered her advice on the situation, and encouraged the woman to try and see her husband's point of view with empathy.
She said: "Practicing empathy and putting your feet in your husband's shoes will help you get to the deepest concerns he has without him shutting down."
Another suggestion Laura gave was practicing "gratitude" rather than "attacking your husband's concerns".
She added: "When you spend time acknowledging what you already have in your relationship, it is much easier to get something more or different to what you need. Spend time openly appreciating what you have now. Make him feel secure as a father."
If they can't come to an understanding, Laura said they might come to the tough decision of whether to end the marriage. She added: "Deciding to end a relationship is a painful and messy decision. But you have to ask yourself if we do not end up having another child together, can I let go of my frustration and yearn for one? Or will I feel resentment towards my partner and thus forgoing a strong, loving relationship and happy home for our current child?"
Laura's final piece of advice was to "let your husband know and understand that this is important to you, and you, in turn, understand why this isn't a priority to him. It will make the process much easier".
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