Encomium
With the skyrocketing prices of foodstuffs, house rent, absence of basic infrastructure, one wonders the number of children that is ideal per household.
ENCOMIUM Weekly sampled the opinion of housewives, medical experts, sociologists on these. We also took them up on why family planning fails.
DOCTOR OMOLAYOLE
What is the ideal number of children a couple should have?
It depends on the economy and the financial strength of the couple. I will not advice anything more than four. When it is four, it has grand multitarius. It carries a lot of risk for a woman to have another after this stage. The womb already is very flabby, such women have tendency to bleed after delivery. At this stage, I advice women to do IUCD (Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device).
How many years gap should be between children?
Under normal condition, two to three years is good enough. If there are other issues, that is, if the woman has had a caesarian section it is advisable to wait longer. Women who have had cesarean section can have issues with their scar when contracting. If a woman should have a caesarian section twice, the next delivery must also be a caesarian section. For women in this category, I will say over three years is best to wait before having another child. To be on a safe side, I tell my patients to wait for four years before having another child.
What is the percentage of women who complain of failed family planning?
It will be difficult to say now. Majority of such women are below poverty level. I mean, those who complain about failed family planning because, they are not enlightened enough about it. They also tend to accept everything negative people tell them about family planning.
AWOYEMI OLUWAYEMI, nurse
What is the ideal number of children couples should have?
Couples should have children that they are capable of raising up and not a large family that will become a liability to the society.
How many years gap should be in between children?
Child spacing involves agreement of both parties. There are several methods of birth control known as family planning. Couples should seek medical advice on how best for them to space their children so that they will be knowledgeable on how best to space their children and maintain a healthy living.
What is the percentage of women who complain of failed family planning?
This involves research in getting accurate percentage. If a woman who is on a contraceptive uses it as directed by a doctor then it won’t fail. Most women forget and blame it on the contraceptive.
Women speak…
MRS. REMI SAMUEL
What is the ideal number of children a couple should have?
I can’t really say. What one person wants is different from another’s choice. For me, three is okay, that is what my husband and I have the capacity to cater for.
How many years gap should be in between children?
At least two years. That will give the woman room to rest, recover very well before thinking of having another.
What is the percentage of women that complain about failed family planning?
Family planning has not failed me and it must not fail.
MRS. CHISOM ANOKURU
What is the ideal number of children a couple should have?
At most, four children. But it is advisable for couples to have the number of children they can cater for.
You don’t have five children because your parent had five. The economic situation during their time was quite different from what it is today. I once heard a woman say her mom had six children so, she too will have six.
How many years gap should be in between children?
One and half years is okay.
What is the percentage of women that complain about failed family planning?
Family planning is yet to fail me and I pray it doesn’t fail.
MRS. IFEOMA DIKE
What is the ideal number of children a couple should have?
Two is ideal. With the present economic situation in the country, increasing house rent, school fees, it is better to have nothing more than two.
How many years gap should be in between children?
At least two and half years. I mean, the last child should be two and half before the woman takes in again.
There are women who take in seven months after their first child, it is quite dangerous, I wonder how such will cope.
What is the percentage of women that complain about failed family planning?
I am one, but I am lucky that my baby was already two then. I wanted to wait for two and half years before taking in.
MRS. RITA AKINFENWA
What is the ideal number of children a couple should have?
It depends on some factors like the state of the economy, the financial strength of the couple and what they want.
How many years gap should be in between children?
At least three years. It is good to space children well because they will help both the mother and the child. The child will be grown without much attention compared to a baby.
What is the percentage of women that complain about failed family planning?
I have friends who complain that pills fail. I don’t use pill anyway.
Sociologist speaks…
BUNMI OLUWAGBEMIGA
What is the ideal number of children a couple should have?
I will say three is ideal. The economy is harsh and healthcare is on the high side. It is better to have the number you are capable of taking care of.
How many years gap should be in between children?
Three years is okay. It will allow the woman regain her strength and shape. A lot of women lose a lot of blood during delivery. If they space their children well, the woman will regain the lost blood. Even the child will receive adequate attention before another comes.
SULE ADELABU
What is the ideal number of children a couple should have?
You have to consider a lot of factors in determining that. The financial strength of the family, the nature of the economy and available health care. It is advisable to have the number of children you are capable of taking care of. At least two is enough. An average family should be able to cater for two children.
How many years gap should be in between children?
The best is three years interval, it has a lot of advantages both for the mother and child.
