Mum's who had babies post 40; I realise it is hard to answer this objectively, but if you had your time over...would you do it again?

[HMC]

I'm 40 (41 in May) and have a 4 year old and 6 year old. I am tempted to have a 3rd child (but paralysed with anxiety with the usual concerns)

Part of me feels 'too old' to have another baby - although my energy levels and fitness / health are good etc. I think it is probably society that is telling me I am too old....

If you are a mother who had a baby post 40, I appreciate that you love and dote on the resulting child, but putting that aside for one minute.... have there been any particular issues for you and was your choice a wise one?

Sorry for hijack. Mummyontherun message for you here.

I'd say if you are fit and healthy enough to handle it and you want to have another baby then go for it.

Actually it seems to be extremely common for mums to be older these days, at most of the baby groups and clubs I take my dd's to I am quite outnumbered by mums a good 10 years my senior.

Congratulations BonyM and if you fancy a look on the 40+ antenatal thread (which includes some mums who have had their DC and stayed on it) I can strongly recommend it. I'm 42 and expecting #3 and it's great to be in touch with 'older' women at all different stages of pregnancy and motherhood

I had my daughter when I was 21, she is now 22.
I had my son when was 23, he is now 19.
My little one was born when I was 41 and she is now 22 months old.
I am pregnant with number 4, which is due when I will be nearly 44.
I have no regrets and would do it all again. Children are magical and it is what life is all about for me. I just wish I could have lots more....

I love this thread! It's so great to hear all these positive stories about older mothers for a change ... .

Just wanted to add that I find the most stressful aspect of child-rearing is emotional rather than physical (once past the first 6 wks anyway) and I think older mothers are very well placed to deal with that as they are (speaking very generally) more inclined to feel settled and contented within themselves, more confident to do things their way, more patient (most of the time anyway!) and less inclined to sweat the small stuff ... (Ok so the latter point doesn't apply to me because I'm neurotic but the previous three do!!).

Oh no I've killed it

No you haven't!

But I expect I have...

I had two babies in my 40s. One at 41 and one just before I was 43. Conceived very easily and had straightforward pgs & large healthy babies born at term. No GD or high BP.

Don't regret it for a moment. I am tired a lot, but so are most mums of 5. I dont feel like an "older" mum. I hope i dont act or look it ( dont we all). In fact, several friends have asked me recently if i'm pg or thinking of having another. I was a little by this as I'm nearly 47.

I've decided to take it as a compliment that I dont look my age rather than I'm fat or bonkers

Had DSs when I was 37,38 and 42.

Seriously considering DC4...

I absolutely loved everybody's replies on here, thank you all.

If my life had panned out the way I would have like, I'd've had my first before I was 30. However, no suitable male at the time, then several years of trying and MCs x4 when I was with DH, made sure I just had to roll with it.
Had I been a younger mum, DS1 may well have been strangeled at some point (terrible screamer as baby, still hysterical dramatic child) - defo more patient now.

lol Hester

I read an article about the ice skater Jane Torville the other day. She had her first child at 45 and her second at 49, apparently.

I think if you know you want a third, you should go for it a.s.a.p and don't look back