For all those women who think they could “never” handle more than one or two kids, here‘s a study that suggests the more kids you have, the better a mother you become (if you are a rat, that is):
Hormonal changes occurring in female rats after they give birth to and nurse their offspring may cause long-term endocrine and neuroendocrine changes that help produce better mothering skills with each pregnancy and reduce the mother’s anxiety levels as she matures, according to scientists at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and the University of Otago Medical School.
From Danielle Bean, who really should be napping with her 11 day old son instead of blogging.
Reit This Way 
I thought the same thing about her this morning! How amazing is it that she is still giving to all of us mothers when she, herself, is one of the newest again? Beautiful.I happen not to be shocked about that study at all. I just wish I could convince all my liberal friends over in Seattle that this whole over-populating-of-the-world business that Steve and I are doing isn’t half as stressful as their daily grind with their politically correct, single child, family.Hmmm…..so much forwarding to do, so little time!
Congratulations on your new baby. Such a precious, special time. I think the study could be confirmed in human experience as well. We know we become better parents with each successive child, but it can’t be solely the result of experience. Every child is different. Sometimes the experience of having raised one child is no help at all with the next one. Seems like it could very well be some kind of physiological change.
No no, Rosemary, Danielle Bean has the new baby – not me, not yet!
Sooo funny. I’m enjoying your blog.