I had someone message me last week and ask if I had ever blogged about having a baby in my 40's. She felt like her family wasn't complete but she is close to 40 and her doctor wasn't encouraging. I know I have inadvertently blogged about being pregnant in my 40's but I thought I would make a specific post.
NOW - I'm starting this by saying that I can't give any medical advice or encouragement on this subject. Getting pregnant in your 40's can be difficult and there are a lot of risks involved. But it is done. And it's done a lot. I'm imagining a lot of you have had babies later in life. If you have - I think you can chime in! If you had babies in your 20's and you think how different can it really be? I'm telling you right now - it's not a cake walk to be an old mom. But there are things that come with it - more wisdom, more patience, a reason to stay young!
I was never a young mom. I had Harper at 35. And Will Holden at 41. That's not how I saw my life going. I never expected to have kids that late. I also NEVER dreamed I would have a baby at 41 and it wasn't planned but if you know how crazy I am about Will Holden - you know what a gift he is. So I don't know the difference but I do know that I have a lot less energy at almost 44 than I did at 24. It's so tiring. And I will be nearly 60 when Will Holden graduates. So I am praying I can stay active and healthy.
I DO feel like he keeps me young. They all do. I'm very busy and active with them. Yesterday we did VBS all morning and then I took the girls swimming all afternoon. I feel much younger than I am and I love that many of WH's friends' moms are young and I get to have two groups of friends - all my older friends and a new wave that will come with him. So may of my friends I grew up with are grandparents. And I have kids younger than their grandchildren. So that's a weird feeling but it's where life has taken me.
There are many risks with older pregnancies. Higher chances of birth defects and things going wrong. But when I see people in their mid 30's giving up on being moms - I want to encourage them that they can do this ....... that they have years ahead of them! So if you feel your family isn't complete- I say don't give up.
My hair is gray, I have wrinkles under my eyes and I'm fairly certain I'm in pre-menopause. And I have a two year old.
I mean - hey - Janet Jackson had a baby at 50 last year! :-)
I would love to hear from other moms of babies in your 40's and your tips, advice, or anything you would add!
