Just been to a careers talk where the woman speaker warned against having a baby in the year or two after completing a PhD if you want an academic career as this is the 'magic window' where you have all your most original ideas, are most cutting edge, and most likely to move ahead. I was at first alarmed by this - I have two children already and was planning to have a third after PhD - and then angered. This is nonsense isn't it? Firstly, timing is completely personal and what works for one may not for others but also if you are most productive straight after graduating what do you do with the rest of your career and why does anyone employ anyone over 30?? Please join my rant and any stories of post PhD babies followed by fabulously successful academic careers would also be most welcome!