Should we have a baby at 38?

[WiganLass1984]

My husband & I have been together 11 & a half years, married for 6 & have a son each (ages 18 & 20). I ruled out another baby right at the beginning of our relationship but now I'm 37 & he's 41 we are wondering if we made the right decision & if it's too late. I'm interested to hear from couples in a similar position. I keep thinking it would be better if it just happened by accident as we would cope somehow, but actually making the decision is difficult as childcare to think of, money, support etc. I'm in a well paid job, my husband is ok but I still think if we both worked full time or paying full time nursery we wouldn't have much left over. I don't want to have to cut days down at work really and even if I did it would still involve expensive child care...

My friend had her third at 45 with her new husband. The dc from previous marriage were 15 and 18. Her husband also has adult dc from previous marriage. She is very happy and they have no financial problems.

Hi op I am 42 and 5 weeks pregnant with dc 3. I was a younger mum with my first at 24 but now I’m a lot calmer and feel more ready to embrace another baby. My dp is 33 so he can do the running around 🤣…..hardly likely

jumping in, I am 34 and my partner is 45. I have a daughter with my ex husband, she is now 11 and in her first year of high school. We got our positive a few days into the new year and although of course to begin with there were fears and reservations in regards to the disadvantages that a new baby can bring (sleepless nights, financial strains etc) I am looking forward to experiencing being a new mum in my 30s. Life is very different than it was when I had my daughter in my early 20s.

I say if it is what you both want and you are prepared for the challenges ahead then go for it!

I think patience comes with age. I had my first at 32 and second at 34. I'm 47 now and feel I'm so much more patient than was years ago.id go for it.

I had dc2 at 41 when with a 9 year age gap and it has worked out great. I love watching DP with her and parenting her together, something I didn’t have first time around for various reasons. I always knew I wanted 2 though ideally. I don’t feel especially old! I felt worse with dc1 as he was an awful sleeper.