My son is 46 weeks old and I would LOVE to have another baby (but current financial and social circumstances mean that this would be impossible right now). I'd def have five kids if I could afford them, you lucky thing - I say go for it if you know it is what you want!

As the oldest of a very happy family of five I certainly do not think making it a five child family is a problem but since you ask the question and bring up your sister's pregnancy I do wonder how much this is affecting you.

You do not say how old your youngest child is but "so soon" suggests he/she is still a baby. Middle children often feel they have lost out - so do consider giving your "number four" a little time as "youngest" before rushing into number five.

Since you ask advice (which suggests a little unease)I suggest that before giving in to your broodiness you ask yourself some straight - and difficult- questions. Could your sisters pregnancy be why you feel so broody? Is the real problem here that you see her as stealing your thunder? Do you feel that you are the one who should be "the loving mother" in this extended family? It may be that subconciously you see motherhood as your role and are unsure of her cashing in on this.

Feeling broody when someone close to us is pregnant is quite normal especially if you enjoy and succeed in motherhood as much as you obviously do. But this is not a good reason for having another baby. BUT having questioned your motives when all said and done a loving family is what every child needs, bringing another child into yours is not your extended families business. Just be certain you are doing it for the right reasons- and think about the needs of number 4 if they are still a baby.
Dorothy Einon.

If you can run a household smoothly with four kids then you can do anything! Only you know what you, your husband and children can manage and what feels right. If your sister is on her first baby then she may feel a little like you are stealing her thunder, but to be honest if you already have 4 then people probably won't take too much notice of no. 5. The fact that you and your husband agree on this is amazing so if I were you I wouldn't worry about anyone else. Hey you only live once, go for it!!!

you should do whatever you want, its your body and your family, only you know what you and your kids can cope with! I say go for it, and good luck to you! :D xx

Hi I am one of 5 children and never felt hard done by when I was growing up or felt that my parents deprived us in any way by having so many children. I think if it is something u really want and feel that u could manage then go for it. I have just had my 3rd baby and everyone keeps asking me if I'm finished having kids now...heck I'm not even 30 yet so I'm quite sure I'll have at least 1 more!!! If ur children are old enough why not ask them how they would feel or just tell them that u are thinking about it. I loved having brothers and sisters and I'm sure ur children will too. Good luck.

I think you should do whatever you want to do, no one in this world can tell you any different, i think it's great that you are the kind of person who wants a big family, personally i know i wouldn't be able to cope but you sound like you have your four under control, what harm could another one do to the roost?? also if your partner is game, i say why not? life isn't a rehersal so you should do whatever you want to do in life. take care hun and good luck. x

Hi, I am a mother of four children, I am suddenly feeling very broody and I am really considering having another child. I have always wanted a large family, my partner is also keen to have another one. The household runs very smoothly with four children, but am I being unfair to the children I already have by desiring another one? I feel I could manage another one and I have so much love to give, but my extended family would be very unhappy about it and my sister may feel that I am 'stealing her thunder' as she is pregnant. Is it normal for me to feel SO broody so soon after having a baby, should I just ignore it and wait a few years?? PLEASE HELP