Having Babies in Your 40s: A Joyful Experience

Topic: Parenting

Heather is an older mum who says she is more patient and focused on what matters.

After giving birth, a stranger asked Heather if she was her son's mum or grandma.

Heather had her son at 47. She says it was a long wait, but worth it.

Heather was happy to be a mum and said, 'I cant believe you're mine. I cant believe we did this.'

Heather loved her son and said, 'I waited so long for him. I was so in love with him.'

Heather says being an older mum has many joys, but also judgement from others.

Many Australian women are having children later in life due to various reasons.

In 1991, only 5% of first-time mums were over 35. By 2020, this number increased to 17%.

A podcast spoke with Heather and Zoe about their experiences as older mums.

Heather embraces the challenges of motherhood.

Heather always wanted to be a mum.

Heather was diagnosed with a hormonal disorder that affects fertility when she was 19.

She was told it would be hard to get pregnant.

Heather and her husband tried for a baby, and she got pregnant at 45.

The doctor said the pregnancy might not be viable.

Heather miscarried, which made her husband want to be a dad.

Two mums who got pregnant in their 40s talk about the challenges and joys of being older mums.

Heather got pregnant again a year later.

The pregnancy was high-risk, and Heather's husband was diagnosed with cancer.

Heather was relieved when her son was born.

Heather's son cried loudly when he was born, and she was happy he was okay.

Heather says being an older mum has its advantages, such as being more involved with her son.

Heather is older than other mums at the park, but she is still active with her son.

Heather appreciates the moments she has with her son.

Heather realizes that memories are what matter most.

Heather invests time in her son because she knows she wont get that time back.

Heather is more relaxed as a mum and lets little things go.

There are advantages to having children later in life, such as being more mature.

Heather's husband has terminal cancer, but they are cherishing their time together.

Heather is grateful that her husband will be around for their son to have memories of him.

Heather would have another child even knowing her husband would get sick.

Heather loves the small moments she has with her family.

We want to hear from you about your experiences as an older mum.

Zoe was ready to be a mum.

Zoe had 13 IVF cycles before getting pregnant with her daughter.

Zoe was 44 and her husband was 51 when they had their daughter.

Zoe reads judgemental comments about older mums online.

Zoe says being an older mum doesnt matter because she worked hard to have her child.

Zoe had a hard time getting pregnant and went through 13 IVF cycles.

Zoe miscarried twins before getting pregnant with her daughter.

Zoe was devastated by the loss of her twins.

Zoe tried everything to get pregnant again after her loss.

Zoe changed her diet and did acupuncture to help her get pregnant.

Zoe was nervous when she finally got pregnant.

Zoe was praying for her baby to stay healthy during her pregnancy.

Zoe was nervous throughout her pregnancy.

Zoes daughter was born seven weeks early and weighed 1.2 kilograms.

Zoe was happy to finally have her daughter after everything she went through.

Zoe focused on her daughter during her first year and took extended maternity leave.

Zoe is now dealing with the challenges of raising a toddler while in perimenopause.

Zoe feels like she is losing control sometimes due to her hormones.

Zoe says being an older mum is great because she hasnt missed out on anything.

Zoe travelled and had careers before having her daughter.

Zoe was still going out and having fun in her 30s.

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