Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

I think it is a very individual decision. There are risks involved, but does your desire out weigh the risks. By risks, I mean such things as possible post-partum relapse and possible difficulty caring for yourself and your children. That being said, if there is a will, there is a way even if the worst case scenario happened. One thing that has been challenging for me is not having family support. It would be great to have some back-up help, if needed. I have 2 wonderful kids and I think it has been one of the best decisions in my life even though, admittedly I had some very challenging times. Now my health is taking a better turn. So, since we don't know what the future holds, it is a matter of if you can come to a peace about the decsion. That is my thought anyway. By the way, one research study showed that those with MS who have children do no worse or even better than those who do not have children. I wondered if it was just those who were doing better chose to have children. Either way, having children does not seem to have a negative effect long-term.

Are you concerned about the risk to you MS, or the fact that you might not be able to be active with your child, to do things with them that other mothers might be abvle to do, or that your child might have to physically take care of you when they are a teen instead of going out with friends? I am not sure which is your concern. If it is the risk to your MS, usually having a child does make a person's MS worse.

Are you concerned about the risk to you MS, or the fact that you might not be able to be active with your child, to do things with them that other mothers might be abvle to do, or that your child might have to physically take care of you when they are a teen instead of going out with friends? I am not sure which is your concern. If it is the risk to your MS, usually having a child does make a person's MS worse.


It's a little of all of this... I am so fatigued now without having a new born...I dont know I just wanted other women with ms to share their thoughts.

bobbijo, can't connect to your page...katie

I've been thinking the same thing! I have a two and a half year old. I never wanted to have just one child. I was an only child and I knew how lonely it was.

do not worry about the only child thing...i had two sisters and one brother and i was always lonely...:)

when she was younger I didnt want her to be an only child, but now she is almost 7 and I think she is and would be fine as an only child. I know my husband wants another child, but not at the risk of my health. The more I think about it the more I think it would be too hard on my body....

This is kind of a sticky subject, so I'll be careful!

I was the youngest of two and I wished I was an only child! I never felt like I got enough attention from my parents, no matter how well intentioned they were. I still do not get along with my older sister. Or my parents, for that matter.

My husband is an only child, and he's smart, happy, and well adjusted. I've always thought that if I had a baby, I'd have an only child. More kids equals more work! ( another lifelong responsibility, more money, more burden on the environment, etc. etc.) I'm 35, so I'm still on the fence about it. Now with the MS, I'm not sure I want that kind of responsibility. For what it's worth, every person I've met who's an only child seems to be happy and have less of the "family strife."

I don't think the whole "older child can help" scenario is so great, either. I think it breeds resentment in the child who has the new found "job." This is just my opinion, so no hate mail, please! LOL!

Like I said, I have no kids, so I'm definitely NOT the authority on this one. The fact that you are thinking so much about all the pros and cons shows you are a loving and responsible person. Whatever decision you make, it will be the right one.

This is kind of a sticky subject, so I'll be careful!

I was the youngest of two and I wished I was an only child! I never felt like I got enough attention from my parents, no matter how well intentioned they were. I still do not get along with my older sister. Or my parents, for that matter.

My husband is an only child, and he's smart, happy, and well adjusted. I've always thought that if I had a baby, I'd have an only child. More kids equals more work! ( another lifelong responsibility, more money, more burden on the environment, etc. etc.) I'm 35, so I'm still on the fence about it. Now with the MS, I'm not sure I want that kind of responsibility. For what it's worth, every person I've met who's an only child seems to be happy and have less of the "family strife."

I don't think the whole "older child can help" scenario is so great, either. I think it breeds resentment in the child who has the new found "job." This is just my opinion, so no hate mail, please! LOL!

Like I said, I have no kids, so I'm definitely NOT the authority on this one. The fact that you are thinking so much about all the pros and cons shows you are a loving and responsible person. Whatever decision you make, it will be the right one.






Thank you so much for your opinion. I appreciate it sooo much. It is going to be a decision not made lightly. Thanks

I understand your fears. I began with my first MS symptoms after my son was born. 2 years later I had a daughter. Soon after that I was dx. I am a working mom also. It's not a cake walk, but it's not impossible either. The hardest 2 events I had to deal with were the sudden and strong symptoms after the birth of my daughter and last fall/winter Copaxone was not keeping the flare ups away and often I was so exhausted after work that I just had to take a short nap on the couch after coming home.
The only negative effects on my children is that maybe 1 or 2 times a year my son says he wished he knew me when I didn't have limatations from MS. I've been very fortunate, unless told, people wouldn't know that I have a disability.
Good Luck with your decision making. Remember, God only gives us what we can handle.