I really don't think that anyone should be judged or criticized for thoroughly thinking about the issues involved in bringing another human being into this world. Many people make this decision based on purely economic reasons (read money) and they are not blasted for their decision like people who base it on health questions.
Just be aware, Mir, that this is a very knee-jerk emotional topic for many people. Just search your heart. This is a decision for you and your significant other, no one else.
Good luck!

I stayed away from the thread the last time around because our family is complete (and I'm not totally at peace with that!) and I wasn't sure I could "put myself in your shoes" regarding this. However, in thinking more about it I have to say that when we were considering more children, PA never even entered into the equation. However, I think everyone goes into parenting with different comfort levels, and everyone has to make their own decisions.
Amy

I've been staying out of this thread, since as you know I've been through this through process before. I just want to say that even parents with one or two or however many perfectly healthy children with good eyes and straight teeth wonder if they should have another child. Why press our luck? Why tempt fate? We've got these perfect kids. What if something goes wrong? It's only natural to think about the likelihood of PA knowing that your children may be genetically predisposed to it. There's nothing wrong with it. Let us know if you decide to have another.

I have four children (ages 7,6,4 1/2, and 10 months). My oldest has PA. I had the other 3 without any thoughts of them being PA. #2 has no allergies [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img], #3 has some food allergies she will likely outgrow [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img], and #4 has none that we are aware of. I did have food allergies as well as some of my siblings (there are 8 of us). My husband had none. Of 23 grandchildren on my side, Jenna is the only one with PA. I wouldn't trade them for the world - even if they were all PA.
How many "perfect" children have been born (besides their parent's opinions)? We all may hand down genetics we wish we hadn't, but should we not have children just in case? Birth defects, Downs, etc. are always a possibility when having children, but most people take that chance and pray for the best. Good luck with your decision. I hope you can make the best choice for you.
Rachel

I am the mom of 4 children plus one due in a month [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] My first 3 children all have seasonal allergies as well as my husband. I know I had eczema as a child but neither my husband nor I have food allergies. I know my brother in law and his son have some food allergies. It wasn't until our 4th child that we came upon a food allergy. He is 2 1/2 and he is allergic to peanuts. Not sure about nuts or shellfish since he has never had these or been tested. We found out he was allergic to peanuts at age 1 when I gave him a bite of PB and J sandwich. It was a scary discovery and I've had ups and downs about the situation during this whole time not because of me but because of his safety and thought of possibly something detrementol (sp?) happening has scared the you know what out of me on plenty of occasions. Before we found out about his PA we're decided that we were only going to have 4....well......eventually I couldn't bear the thought of being done and wanted another very badly. After we found out about his PA I went back and forth about having another NOT because of me or the inconvenience but because I was worried about our next also having it. Eventually I worked through it and realized it didn't matter...whatever we were given is what we could handle and realized too that our family is predisposed(?)to allergies of any kind and it wasn't in our hands. So now I sit here in my ninth month...excited to hold our new son when he arrives and will do my best avoid certain allergens when BFing and beyond but know that whatever he MAY or MAY NOT be allergic to I couldn't be happier to be with him. I couldn't imagine Devin not being here (PA)Try not to let it worry you to the point where you feel like you are going wacko....I did and it was a horrible feeling. Let go and reach deep you will find the answer. I also wanted to add besides the above I am glad Devin will have a sibling that is younger than him and everything won't be about his PA...I want so much for him to lead a normal and happy life.

I was already pregnant with my second when my sons pa was diagnosed. I was overwhelmed at the thought of dealing with 2 with allergies, but my second is (only) lactose intolerant. At least he has his own special diet to feel unique too!! As it turns out though, my second son has saved my pa's son life by being the ingredient double checker when I am not around. He calls himself the peanut police at school and alerts me and others about things like peanut butter bird feeders in the kindergarten hall..And the older they get, the less my 10 year old wants me around.
So, having son #2 ends being an extra set of ears and eyes that I hadn't really counted on. And like already mentioned by others, he adds balance. And of course I can't imagine life without him.