A Canadian mother has decided to forego her plans of having a second child after struggling for seven years. Farideh Olsen, 42, and her husband Mark, 44, tried for three years to conceive naturally, which took an emotional toll on them. They explored options like IVF and adoption but ultimately felt neither was the right fit for their family.
Olsen shared her decision to let go of her dream of a second baby on Instagram, showing herself surrounded by baby items they had saved over the years. She expressed that the thought of starting over with a new pregnancy was daunting, especially considering her age and health concerns.
With the help of a friend, Olsen sorted through the baby items, deciding to pass them on to a pregnant friend or charity. It was a bittersweet moment for her, but she felt relieved to have cleared the space and moved forward with new possibilities and dreams.
Therapist Aleksandra Balazy-Knas, specializing in perinatal mental health, explained the complex grief Olsen is facing, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and accepting this loss. The Instagram reel documenting Olsen’s journey has garnered over 255,000 views, with many users expressing support and empathy.
Now adjusting to being a mom to an only child, Olsen reflects on the challenges and benefits of this new reality. While she had hoped for a second child, she finds peace in accepting that it wasn’t meant to be.