Secondary infertility is a unique, often silent struggle, faced by parents who are unable to conceive or carry another pregnancy to term after having one or more children. Unlike primary infertility, it often lacks the same empathy from society, as friends, family, and even health care providers may assume that “one child should be enough.” This assumption can leave parents feeling isolated and misunderstood, struggling with feelings of shame, guilt, and longing for a family that aligns with their vision.

For many parents, the desire for a larger family reflects a deeply personal vision, one that can feel invalidated by societal beliefs. Research highlights how social norms shape our ideas about family size, creating an emotional struggle for parents who yearn for another child but are subtly told that this longing is unnecessary or even selfish (Daniluk & Tench, 2007). As a result, many parents experiencing secondary infertility are left questioning their own desires, grappling with cycles of self-doubt, guilt, and shame that keep them from sharing their struggles or seeking support.

Secondary infertility is often accompanied by complex emotions, particularly guilt and shame. Guilt emerges when parents feel that their wish for more children somehow betrays or devalues their first child. Society often emphasizes........

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