This is something I've observed - the only people I've known with 3 or more kids are either beneficiaries of significant inherited wealth, or living in governme

This is something I've observed - the only people I've known with 3 or more kids are either beneficiaries of significant inherited wealth, or living in government housing with very low family income. I can see why. The cost of having kids is so incredibly high - both in direct terms (cost of childcare, stuff, food) and indirect (need a bigger house to maintain the same level of comfort, need to step back from your career for a few years). For someone on a very low income, the additional government support per child is meaningful. But for mid-high earners, the additional costs of that kid come directly out of your lifestyle.