Average age of first-time mothers is now 30 - how old were you?

[KateMumsnet]

Hello all

Research published yesterday shows that the average British woman is now having her first child at the age of 30 - and we wondered whether this matches MNers' own experiences. So do share your thoughts - are you bang on average, or under, or over? Does it matter - and would you make the same decision again, given the chance?

[tumbletumble]

31

[tumbletumble]

Glad I left it till then.

[HappyHippyChick]

28

[7Days]

29.

worked out fine, had good relationship, own home -well, own mortgage- steady job, fond memories of loads of fun to keep me warm, a measure of maturity.

[kinkyfuckery]

I was 21

[curiousgeorgie]

28 and 30...

I felt a bit young actually

[sanfairyanne]

29

i dont see uni graduates starting earlier but if i had gone to work at 18 not 23 i would have had kids earlier i think

[TheWomanTheyCallJayne]

22

Doing ok so far
Have some regrets about my own life but now they're all older and I'm getting more freedom those are easing.

[CMOTDibbler]

I was 34. No regrets.

[weegiemum]

I was 29, then 31, then 32 so pretty close to the average.

[HazleNutt]

34. Year or two earlier would have been ok too, but not more. Financially stable, good marriage and a DH who was also ready to be a dad. Stable career and a strong CV, so don't have to worry about unemployment.
    My sister had a baby at 19 and was struggling, trying to combine motherhood with the fun carefree life her friends were enjoying - but I had already done my travelling and partying, I don't even want to do most things you can't do with a baby, so becoming a parent was not such a massive change and I don't feel like I'm missing out on anythng.

[ProbablyMe]

21, I felt very young!! Now aged 39 11/12th my DP and I have decided to have another one!

[JuniperTisane]

33. I always said not before I'm 30, I'm not maternal at all and the thought of a child in my twenties filled me with dread. Thank goodness we waited. I'm a much better parent for being older and wiser.
    
    I chose to have a child because I knew DH wanted them. I suspect had he not been fussed one way or the other, we would be childless even now.

[weatherall]

22

Had graduated, travelled. My 20s were still fun and had great career progression (until recession).

I get really f off with the anti young mum rhetoric on here.

[InkleWinkle]

I was 32. Was a good age for me.

Had next one at 38 though & really felt the difference pregnancy & energy-wise.

[PrincessOfChina]

30. I was among the first couple out of my uni friends, but friends who hadn't gone to uni seemed to start at about 26.

[MrsMarigold]

34

[flipchart]

30

[JonSnowsPout]

17 no regrets

Having a home,job, degree and fond memories are good but its not concrete- they can disappear or be gained at any age.


I'm 30 next month. I have a home, still with my dp, have another ds, have a good job and I enjoy my life.


I really hate the dumb young mum perception. Age does not make you a good parent

[Degustibusnonestdisputandem]

32, 'surprised' by my lovely DTDs (glad I didn't wait until we could 'afford' it)

[TenMinutesEarly]

26. Married, mortgaged and settled. No regrets.

[AggressiveBunting]

35 so way above average nationally although pretty average amongst my friends/ colleagues.

[Acunningruse]

I had just turned 30. We had been TTC for 18 months.

[Mammuzza]

32 and a half to the day.

[Mammuzza]

Oh and zero regrets. Was pretty much the perfect age for me to do it all things considered.