I cannot have children (hysterectomy); but before my surgery I often struggled with the same dilemma. I decided that, no matter what, I would adopt. Luckily, I am in a relationship now where my boyfriend grew up with an adopted brother and is 100% open to adoption. There are so many children in need, that I feel the need to help one. However, I do find myself (at times) wishing that I could have a child of my own. Yet, I am happy that I still have the option to adopt.

My mother is bipolar and refuses treatment. However, she recently acknowledged that I am bipolar and needs medication. She even hinted that she is coming around to the idea of medication. My brother is NOT bipolar; but does struggle with some OCD and depression/anxiety issues (however, I believe some of his problems are simply learned behavior and he would do quite well with therapy).

I think it would have saved me a lot of time and heartache if my mom would have gotten me diagnosed and treatment when I was younger. Yet, I am now pursuing a PhD (not bad for someone who has mixed episodic, rapid cycling bipolar disorder with sever anxiety issues). However, YOU sound like an awesome parent and are obviously attentive to the mental health needs of your daughter. Plus, doctors and society are starting to really understand bipolar and children. My doctor recently said that bipolar is often associated with genius and creativity and now physicians are learning how to balance bipolar with allowing patients to express/use their talents. Things are getting better for those of us with bipolar and will continue to get better, I believe, as time progresses.

The choice, obviously, is yours. However, people with bipolar can do wonderful things in this world. Musicians, artists, and authors have struggled with the disease (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...polar_disorder). It's a struggle; however, I believe our struggles give us an insight into the world that no one else can gain. As I mentioned in the beginning of this post, adoption is always a wonderful alternative if you decide that conceiving another child is not something you want to do at this time. Being foster parents might be another option for your family (this would give you more time to decide whether or not you want to have another child of your own while giving back to the community).