Have you ever found yourself quietly Googling “why can’t I have more kids?” at 2 a.m. while everyone else seems to be effortlessly expanding their families on Instagram?
If you have, you’re definitely not alone. New research highlighted in this TIME article revealed something that hit me right in the gut: nearly 20% of adults across 14 countries believe they’ll never be able to have the number of children they want. Not because they don’t want bigger families, but because of roadblocks—some obvious, some heartbreakingly invisible.
It’s easy to think, “Maybe it’s just my age,” or “It’s probably something I did.” But the truth is way more complicated—and a lot more shared—than anyone’s Instagram feed would have you believe.
We’re Dreaming of Families We Can’t Have—But Why?
There’s this weird gap between what we hope for and what actually happens. The TIME article dug into the layers: financial fears, unstable housing, global uncertainties, and yes, fertility struggles. For some, the price of IVF is a mountain they can’t climb. For others, it’s medical conditions, a lack of support, or “just waiting for the right time”—until time runs out.
I remember a call with my close friend, Sam. She whispered, “I thought I’d have two kids by now…I can’t even begin to imagine affording one.” Sam isn’t alone. And if you’re reading this and feeling that pang, you’re in the right place. On Nestful, we talk about these feelings out loud—because chances are someone else here has walked in those shoes (and probably has a blizzard of baby onesies shoved in the closet, just in case).
The Hidden Hurdles That Don’t Get Posted
Let’s be real: Social media makes parenthood look like a highlight reel. Reality? It’s messier. There are:
- Silent battles with infertility (trust me, you wouldn’t know by looking at most families)
- Emotional waves after every doctor’s appointment
- The spreadsheet math of “Can we actually afford another round?”
- The feeling that your body, your timeline, or the world is working against you
But here’s something most headlines miss: People aren’t giving up on their dreams—they’re finding new ways to make them happen.
Is There Really Hope For Modern Family Builders?
Let me open up: After my own sticky, exhausting experience with doctor’s visits and schedule-juggling, I started looking for alternatives. That’s when I stumbled across something I wish I’d known sooner—a growing number of folks are turning to at-home insemination kits. And honestly, it makes sense:
- There’s more privacy (no awkward waiting rooms)
- The process is on your schedule
- It’s far more affordable than most clinic treatments
One company leading the charge is MakeAMom’s Home Insemination Kits. I found their info while reading community testimonials—turns out, their kits aren’t just for one “type” of person. They’re helping everyone from couples with unexplained infertility to single parents by choice, from those with medical sensitivities to people worried about sperm motility.
And you know what? The stats speak for themselves: MakeAMom reports a 67% average success rate among users of their reusable home insemination kits. Plus, they make sure your privacy is protected (because nobody needs the mailroom gossiping about your baby plans).
What Can You Do If You’re Dreaming of a Bigger Family?
If you’re here, reading this, you probably want practical hope—not just more “stay positive!” memes. Here’s what I’ve learned (and what our Nestful community keeps proving, every day):
- You’re allowed to grieve the gap between what you want and what you have
- You’re not failing—so much is out of our control
- It’s okay to get creative and try new options (at-home kits, adoption, surrogacy, donor conception, the list goes on)
- Most importantly: there’s a supportive, open community right here ready to share what worked for them—and cheer you on, step by step
One Last Thought (And A Question For You)
It’s 2025, and the path to parenthood is changing—sometimes in ways that feel scary, but also in ways that spark hope. The research shows we’re not alone in our struggles or wishes for bigger families… and the solutions are, bit by bit, becoming more accessible.
If you’ve tried something unconventional (like at-home insemination kits), what surprised you most? What do you wish you’d known at the start? Share your wins, your fails, and your questions in the comments—let’s make sure nobody has to face this journey alone.
Your family story matters here. Let’s help each other write the next chapter.