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	<title>The Straits Times Blogs &#187; Amanda Tan</title>
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		<title>And babies make... 15!</title>
		<link>http://blogs.straitstimes.com/2009/02/13/and-babies-make-15/</link>
		<comments>http://blogs.straitstimes.com/2009/02/13/and-babies-make-15/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:53:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amanda Tan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ST's Home Ground]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[youth]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Amanda Tan weighs the decision whether to even have one baby.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I READ with amazement about <a href="http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/World/Story/STIStory_336883.html">33-year-old Nadya Suleman&rsquo;s multiple pregnancies</a> when she gave birth in late January to octuplets; in addition to the six other children she already has.</p>
<p>That's 14 children. I was astonished by not just the sheer number of children, but that she had made this choice at all.</p>
<p>In countless reports she has said how happy she is to have so many children but her choices have left me puzzled.</p>
<p>I have to admit, I&rsquo;m not a fan of babies, nor do I particularly like the notion of childbirth.</p>
<p>Perhaps I&rsquo;m too young for marriage. Certainly, I'm not ready for child-bearing. In my mind, how does anyone say to themselves: "I'm now ready to sacrifice my life to create another"</p>
<p>Many couples don't consider having children a "sacrifice" but rather, an addition to the family. Someone to be embraced.</p>
<p>I, however, feel that having a child is just that, a sacrifice. It seems the only outcome is: "Hello, Junior. Bye-bye, dreams".</p>
<p>Before anyone takes offence, I must say many of those people I admire have life aspirations that include being a good mother.</p>
<p>I just don't think it's for me.</p>
<p>Call it selfishness on my part, but I grapple with the idea of helping another human being - which I&rsquo;ve created - to pursue his or her dreams when I can&rsquo;t even do the same for myself.</p>
<p>Shouldn't I "settle" my life first before I help someone else do that?</p>
<p>As for the familiar argument is that a baby bonds a family, I question why a relationship needs to anchor itself on anything?</p>
<p>I believe there are other factors that contribute to marital happiness - and they don&rsquo;t have to include another human being.</p>
<p>Friends have urged me relentlessly to change my mind. Many more brush my declarations aside and insist that I will eat my words one day.</p>
<p>In fact, I'd love to find out how it feels to want kids.</p>
<p>Before that time comes, I do think society expectations are reinforced by people like Ms Suleman and celebrities like Angelina Jolie.</p>
<p>I might change my mind but I&rsquo;m not betting on it; I still can&rsquo;t see why anyone would want 14 children.</p>
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