“I’m child-free by choice at age 43.” (Nitika Chopra) | The Real Stuff

Living life child-free by choice in her 40s. Join us as we sit down with the remarkable Nitika Chopra-an advocate for those living with chronic illnesses, a podcast host, and the founder of Chronicon. In today’s episode, Nitika and I have an engaging and heartfelt discussion about her chronic illnesses and her decision to live a child-free lifestyle. Nitika shares the personal impact of her chronic illnesses on this choice and not only do we unpack the challenges of living with severe skin issues, arthritis, and myasthenia gravis triggered by COVID-19, but we also address the societal expectations and pressures surrounding a person’s decision not to have children. Nitika's decision to remain child-free is not only influenced by her health but also by her evolving perspectives on motherhood. We explore her thoughts on freezing eggs, the cultural expectations she navigates, and the reactions she got from her friends and family when she shared this decision. Nitika's longing for connection, her recent re-entry into the dating world, and her vision for the future add depth to this rich narrative. Finally, she introduces us to Chronicon's community membership-a supportive space for individuals with chronic illnesses-highlighting the importance of connection and understanding. Join us for an episode that celebrates diverse paths to a fulfilling life and emphasizes the value of self-awareness and respect for personal choices.
Follow Nitika: / nitikachopra
Sponsors:
Dreamland Baby: New and existing customers can go to dreamlandbabyco.com and enter code REALSTUFF at checkout to receive 30% off pajamas + free shipping.
To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.
I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.
Follow the show on Instagram: / therealstuffpod
Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.
Grab my Motherhood Superguide: itlist.com/i/2...
Download my masterclasses to learn how to become an expert content creator: shopluciefink....
Shop my favorite motherhood products: shopluciefink....
Shop my favorite lifestyle products: shopluciefink....
Download the pregnancy bullet journal e-book: shopluciefink....
Subscribe to my channel: / luciebfink
INSTAGRAM: / luciebfink
TWITTER: / luciebfink
FACEBOOK: / luciebfink
TIKTOK: / luciebfink
SNAPCHAT: luciebfink
Thank you so much for watching! I hope you subscribe to my channel for more videos.

[@luciebfink]

Isn't Nitika just the best? 🥰 Thank you to Dreamland Baby for sponsoring this episode! You can use REALSTUFF at checkout to receive 30% off pajamas + free shipping.

[@PinkRose0910]

Thank you for having her. As someone living with a chronic rare disease I could relate to her a lot. It takes a lot both physically, emotionally, and mentally to take care of children full time. Sometimes you just don’t have the capacity to care for someone else when it’s hard enough to take care of yourself properly. Children are a blessing though and bring so much happiness, innocence and wonder into the world.

[@richavadinisingh]

This is one of the most well-rounded conversations around being child-free by choice (and also on chronic illness, marriage and companionship). I love the sensitivity and nuance with which both ends of the choice spectrum have been talked about. Great job, Lucy and Nitika! As a child-free Indian woman myself, I feel comforted and validated by this wonderful conversation. ❤

[@meeradave6012]

Childfree women are always the coolest😎

[@annika4989]

Very interesting to meet Nitika, although I would've loved to hear from a childfree woman whose main concern was not her health as reason to not have children. I am 33yo, been married for 3yrs and I made the decision to stay childfree when I was around 28. It is mostly because I value my independence and quiet, both me and my husband are very introverted and enjoy our little quiet bubble at home, we love moving around the world (not just travelling). Things that didn't seem suitable for raising children. On top of it, I never loved the idea of being pregnant and the physical impact it has on your body, nor being responsible for another person and the pressure of raising a "good person".

[@annika4989]

to tack onto that: my side of the family was very understanding, sad but respected my choice, it was more my husband's side of the family who will not let this topic drop and bring it up at every family function and has a real emotional toll on me.

[@jj-if6it]

Yes because if someone wants a child bad enough, they will do it despite health issues. I know lots of people who have. I'm about 5 years older than you, childless with a long term partner and people couldn't care less lol, so that's good.

[@YRTheyDoingThis]

It’s really good for a woman to know she isn’t cut out for motherhood. It saves a lot of grief for everyone in their lives, including the child of course.

[@jj-if6it]

I've never felt maternal but I think there are pros and cons to both choices and I can totally understand both sides. However living with chronic illnesses myself (thyroid and migraines) would make it even harder I think.

[@ItsSageof]

I really enjoyed this interview! I think many people who choose to be childfree have taken critical time and thought into the decision.

[@jj-if6it]

Adding chapters for long videos like this would be helpful!

[@aidasall4815]

Wow, what an amazing human & such a beautiful soul - thank you for this conversation!

[@jj-if6it]

Also a lot of autoimmune disorders are inherited, so you might get scared that you'll pass it on.

[@jj-if6it]

I haven't thought too much about that 'deep connection with my past and ancestors' bit. The part that would appeal to me the most is making a family with my partner and moving through life together long after my parents are gone.

[@ursulamarialeft]

I loved this episode! Thank you both for sharing.

[@blackparader7]

Lucie I loved this episode so much- there is so much shame attached to women's decisions especially around motherhood or choosing not to mother in a traditional sense. I love her perspective and it resonates deeply with me. I appreciate you giving her a platform and having a loving conversation.

[@birdie6916]

Nice interview. She's so likable! Totally relate to Nitika's choice to not have children due to health issues--yup. And also sad that I cannot join that collective you mentioned. The "full range of humanity" you mentioned is different for each one of us. I doubt anyone would truly want to experience the pain/illness side of the human experience. We all live in the same world, but when you really dial down to granular details, each of our worlds is unique. Thank you, Nitika, for sharing your story.

[@jj-if6it]

Does she have a partner currently though? If you have kids and you're having a bad day, you'd hope that the partner would be able to take over

[@Angel-do1zs]

😅

[@jj-if6it]

Lucie you should get a holiday house in Europe and your families can come over to visit! You could maybe work from there a few months at a time