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10 ways AOC’s egg freezing decision can help all of us—and my advice

10 ways AOC’s egg freezing decision can help all of us—and my advice

by Vanessa | Sep 9, 2026 | Counseling, Deciding, Fertility, Mind/Body, Myth-Busting!

  If you’re thinking about freezing your eggs, or just want to know more about the process, you can learn a lot from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s very public decision to freeze hers — so below, I’ve summarized 10 ways that AOC’s egg freezing decision can help you,...
Ask Merle: How can I minimize postpartum anxiety & depression if I choose motherhood?

Ask Merle: How can I minimize postpartum anxiety & depression if I choose motherhood?

by Merle | Sep 8, 2026 | Ask Merle Q&A, Communication, Counseling, Deciding, Mind/Body, Parenting

  If the fear of postpartum (post-childbirth) stress is one of the roadblocks in your baby decision process, then it’s important to know about the many great resources and methods available that can minimize or even prevent most postpartum anxiety and...
Stress less this fall! October Decision Confidence Workshop & Coaching

Stress less this fall! October Decision Confidence Workshop & Coaching

by Merle | Jun 23, 2026 | Announcements, Communication, Counseling, Deciding

  Do you want to decide between baby vs. childfree, but are stuck with doubts and anxiety? This October, join us for a fabulous workshop that will help you make great progress on your Baby Decision: >>  Next Workshop: Sunday, October 4, 2026 >> RSVP...
Ask Merle: How can I trust my childfree choice if I’m sometimes sad about it?

Ask Merle: How can I trust my childfree choice if I’m sometimes sad about it?

by Merle | Apr 2, 2026 | Ask Merle Q&A, Childfree Life, Communication, Counseling, Deciding, Relationships

  If you’ve made your childfree choice after much careful thought and guidance from The Baby Decision, then is it normal to sometimes feel sad about not getting to be a parent, or should you not trust your choice? As part of my popular “Ask...
Ask Merle: Is “Not Trying, Not Preventing” okay for some people? 6 pointers

Ask Merle: Is “Not Trying, Not Preventing” okay for some people? 6 pointers

by Merle | Mar 3, 2026 | Ask Merle Q&A, Communication, Counseling, Deciding, Fertility, Relationships

  If you’ve responsibly done your research and all of the exploration exercises in The Baby Decision, then is it still cheating to just let nature decide for you by “not trying, not preventing” (NTNP)? As part of my popular “Ask...
Ask Merle: Is “Not Trying, Not Preventing” okay for some people? 6 pointers

Ask Merle: Can introverts be good parents and enjoy it? 8 reasons they can!

by Merle | Jan 13, 2026 | Ask Merle Q&A, Communication, Counseling, Deciding, Parenting, Relationships

  If you or your partner are introverts and value lots of “me” time over social time, then can you even enjoy or tolerate being a parent — let alone good parents?  What if you have some social anxiety, as well? As part of my popular “Ask...
How to avoid sensitive personal or parenthood questions from family

How to avoid sensitive personal or parenthood questions from family

by Merle | Nov 20, 2025 | Childfree Life, Communication, Deciding, Relationships

  Holidays and other times spent with family or in-laws needn’t fill you with dread — here Merle offers tips and advice on how to avoid or handle questions or comments about your baby or parenthood plans, and other sensitive personal topics. .. by Merle...
New 2025 book picks on childfree vs. parenthood choice, motherhood & more

New 2025 book picks on childfree vs. parenthood choice, motherhood & more

by Merle | Sep 21, 2025 | Book Reviews, Childfree Life, Deciding, Environment, Fertility, Mind/Body, Parenting, Relationships

Welcome to our 2025 book recommendations page, which we update all year with new books in a range of topics related to childfree vs. parenthood decision-making.  Our latest fiction and nonfiction picks delve into topics as diverse as parenthood environmental...
Ask Merle: Is “Not Trying, Not Preventing” okay for some people? 6 pointers

Zeit Q&A with Merle: Why baby decisions steer life decisions & happiness

by Merle | May 24, 2025 | Ask Merle Q&A, Childfree Life, Deciding, Merle in the Media, Parenting

  When deciding between having a child or being childfree, the most important question is: which decision will you regret least—in order to support your other life goals, values, and happiness?  Here, Merle Bombardieri shares her own story and wisdom for you, as...
Ask Merle: Now that my first child is older, how do I decide to have another?

Ask Merle: Now that my first child is older, how do I decide to have another?

by Merle | Feb 8, 2025 | Ask Merle Q&A, Deciding, Fertility, Merle in the Media, Parenting

  If you have one or more older children and are now wishing you could relive the baby stage, how do you decide if having another child is a good or bad idea? As part of my popular “Ask Merle” series, I offer advice on this, with four things to...
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Recent Posts

  • 10 ways AOC’s egg freezing decision can help all of us—and my advice
  • Ask Merle: How can I minimize postpartum anxiety & depression if I choose motherhood?
  • Stress less this fall! October Decision Confidence Workshop & Coaching
  • Ask Merle: How can I trust my childfree choice if I’m sometimes sad about it?
  • Ask Merle: Is “Not Trying, Not Preventing” okay for some people? 6 pointers

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