Survey .. what's the oldest age you would consider having a child

[twiglett]

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He's 56 Angeliz.

Although I am starting to repeat myself

Although if DH's age was no object then I'd prob say 40ish.

Oh i was wondering about older dads there with NomDePlume saying it and then you! (as i said my dp is older too so he'll be close to 50 when i have this one!!)

my mum had her last at 47 (dsis was 4 a few days ago). She had my very demanding brother at 43. After watching her i can honestly say there is no way I'd consider having a child over the age of 35 unless I was able to afford night nannies, cleaners, gardeners etc.

I'm very grateful I had DD (who will be the one and only) at 22 as a result of watching my mum and a few others struggle with very late babies.

For me, I wanted them early on and had mentally planned that I would finish my family by the age of 30.

I had DD1 at 24, DS1 at 26 and DD2 at 28. Tried to fit a 4th in but after 2+ years of trying, gave up. Didn't want 3 close together then one on its own.

DH is 5 years older than me (38) and has had the snip I really couldn't handle a "surprise" at the age of 45 so packed him off to the clinic.

You've got a good few years yet then Angeliz

I used to have a boyfriend whose mother was 48 when he was born. He had two brothers, one a year older and one 2 years older, so his mother had had babies at 46, 47 and 48. Respect

Yes that's what i think, they'll keep him young

twiglett: I feel broody again too - and ds1 is 6 weeks old! I think it's what you suspect though, that it's because I "know" this will be my last baby, so I'm sort of in mourning for all the other babies I'll never have.

If I'm honest, although I quite like the idea of more babies, I'm not sure if I actually want more children (if that makes sense?!) - i.e. bit like puppies and christmas

I had dd (my first) at 37 and although would love to have another feel I'll be too old by the time we get round to it! It's not so much the time in my 40's I worry about as the time in my 50's when they'd be heading into their teens. I also worry about getting ill etc. when they would be very young. I had an extremely old day (was 55 when I was born) and he died when I was a teenager and everyone thought he was my grandfather all my life. It didn't matter in lots of other ways, he was a lovely dad but it was sad to lose him when I was so young.

Extremely old dad, not day, though actually I've had a bit of an old day today so maybe that's a Freudian slip ...

I was 35 with dd and 38 with ds. Both were a little later than we had originaly planned dure to dhs cancer and a mc for me, with a years infertility as a result. I'm done now. I feel broody when I see little ones but for me 42 is too old. Not that I think it is for everyone, but for me it is.

Like Slinky I wanted them before I was 30, had dd at 28 and ds at 29.

Dh is also 42

I had ds at 37 and dd at 39 (she's 9 months and I'm 6 weeks off 40 - but I'll start another thread to agonise on that). My obstetrician for both - who was fantastic - thought anything up to 43 was ok. I was very surprised as to how unfazed both my gp and obstetrician were about my age both times - in fact my gp told me not to be so dramatic when I said I was concerned at having my first at 37. Got pregnant immediately with dd, but I do know that I have been very very lucky.

Really sorry to hear that too Merlin, I would find that very hard.

I have four children a nineteen year old,an eighteen year old and a fifteen year old.In March 2003 I found out I was pregnant with my fourth child which was quite a surprise as I was 48 years old. I had a battery of tests was told it was an enormous risk but I delivered a beautiful baby boy 8 months ago, who was well and very healthy.

My other children were thrilled by the news (the oldest I had to phone at university) and even asked if they could be present at the birth!!
8 months on they say it has not put them off and have really enjoyed him, although they do not want to change nappies.!!!!!

For myself it has meant a huge adjustment, giving up my job ( not compatable with a little one )amongst other things. However I am very happy and life would not be the same without him. I am excited at every stage just as I was with the others and enjoying every minute.

35 for me and no older unless it wasnt a planned pregnancy i like the thought of watching my child grow up settle down and then enjoy my life

had first at 34 and second is due after I turn 36 - not sure if we would have anymore.... haven't got to that decision. Both times fell pregnant very easily!!Within two weeks or so of trying.

Friend was 38 when she had first and now almost 40 having second.

strangely enough though at 34 was called a geriatric mother by a midwife....

first child at 35 this year would definitely have another up to about 40 years but unfortunately dh says no.

I was 42 when I had dd2 and I don't think that is too old. But I don't think I would have liked to have started my family at age 42, I would feel deprived of so much of their lives. It really does depend on the person, doesn't it, because attitudes vary so much. I am heading towards 50 but I don't think I feel any different to when I was 40 and I get complimented on my youthful (ahem!) looks. Not sure I would want another one now though, heh heh! Dh was 51 when dd2 was born and my dad was almost 50 when I arrived.

Haven't read all the answers but this is mine ...
I think I have finished ... I was 29 when DS was born and 33 when DD was born ... (I am 34 now - DD is nearly 5 months).
I don't think I want anymore but I like the thought that I have time on my side ... so that by the time I am 37 or 38 I can make my final decision then.
Don't want any after 40 ...
Kind of feel that I would like to be able to play with my grandchildren. Two of my grandparents were dead and the other two very old when I was born (All GPs were over 40 when they had my Mum and Dad ...) so I never really knew them ... felt deprived all my life!

ikwym Ghosty, my first grandfather, knew him till was 10 and other one 16, grandmothers, died when was a small child...Had my parents when in their 40's and do miss not having had a proper relationship with them....so no older than 37 I guess.

I spent 20 years having a business career, and then decided I should think about a family, as time was marching on. I had my first child at 42.5 via IUI using fertility drugs. Tried almost a year for a sibling via IVF, and achieved a pregnancy, but miscarried at 44.5. Fertility clinic advise using an egg donor if I wish to try again as they have never had a successful birth in a mum of 45 or over when her own eggs are used. Must say that surprised me. Just goes to show that many of the older celebrity mums who have babies are probably using egg donors. Others like Cherie Blair are simply very unusual, and lucky......

I didn't feel too old at 42.5 (or 44.5 for that matter), but think the pregnancy was probably harder on my body than it would have been for a younger woman. Certainly the mums who regain their figures quickly seem to be the much younger mums. Or am I simply making excuses......

Also, have (former) friends who chose not to have children who seriously "warned" me that dd will be approaching puberty as I go through menopause. They predicted gloom and doom and misery for all when that time comes.......nice, eh? Anyway, am thrilled that I chose to be a mum later in life, and was physically able to do it. Can't imagine missing out on it.

Well I'm 26 at the moment and due my 2nd in 6wks. DH is 32 and has categorically stated that he wants NO MORE CHILDREN, unless we have a 3rd soon after this baby.... which isn't gonna happen coz I don't want that.
So, there's a catch-22 situation. I would probably consider having children up to the age of 30, but DH thinks he'll be too old by then..... aw bless.

At least this way I can enjoy my 40th birthday party without having small children to deal with. DS will be 17 and DB will be 14.