Childless

Rachel is a 37 year old whose been married for 10 years. When she and her husband started dating she told him from the start that she didn't want children. She says she cannot remember a time that she did not want kids, but she was 100% positive she didn't want any when she was in her early 20's.

Growing up she had an abusive, both physically and mentally, childhood and this may have influenced her decision to remain childless. She says that she's always been an emotional wreck and is afraid that kids will "wreck her". Women with a prior history of depression are more likely to experience Post-partum depression so it may be wise of her to think of her emotional health during and after pregnancy.

Rachel also said that babies scare her and she has never changed a diaper. I started babysitting when I was 8 years old and I can't even begin to count how many diapers I've changed. Being the youngest child and living in the "booneys" did not expose her to many people with babies. I am many years younger than my older sister and became an aunt when I was 12 years old so I have been around babies for a long time. I loved playing with them and it never bothered me to change their diapers. I can remember when disposable diapers first came out, yes I am that old, and how difficult it was to put them on perfectly because one you stuck the tapes on they weren't removeable and reattachable.

Rachel has said before that she wanted to adopt but she felt pressured by society that she "had" to be a mom. Now she is certain this will not happen and if she does become pregnant she would immediately have an abortion. I would not be able to have an abortion myself but that is her choice and I respect that. She and her husband are using condoms as birth control which when used correctly are good at protecting against pregnancy but are not 100%. I asked her if she has thought about a more "permanent" birth control method but they do not have insurance so tubal ligation or vascectomy is not an option at this point.

She wanted to express that she is not "anti-child", they are just not for her. I can totally understand that and am proud that she sticks to her convictions. Our world is being ruined by overpopulation, so one couples decision not to have any is unselfish.

Health Issue

A health issue I am most concerned with is diabetes. Thanks to my parents (both have/had diabetes), gestational diabetes and a large baby I was diagnosed 5 years ago with diabetes. Thankfully I am controlling it with diet and exercise but I know I need to lose more weight to be healthier. My father, who is now deceased, was diagnosed in his 40's as well as my mother. I was diagnosed after only being overweight for about 4 years at 32. I think I just had too many risk factors to avoid diabetes all together.

I interviewed several women and the majority were concerned with cervical and ovarian cancer because its a "silent killer", many do not have any symptoms until its too late. My older sister Sara is a cervical cancer survivor and she is proof of how seriously important PAP smears are to women's health.

Our concerns were not the same but both were very important to women's health. I get screened every year for cervical cancer but I don't work out consistently enough to impact my health. I should take my diabetes as seriously as I do my cervical health but sometimes its hard to roll out of bed and exercise. I am determined to take my health more seriously and lose weight.