when did you start a family?

[beckymcfc]

Hi all

Just wanted to know at what age you started a family and what your thoughts are on being a young / older mum?

I'm 26, due my first in December. Been with DH for 8 years (married for 6 months). My mum was 23 when she had me, and I love it. I knew I wanted to be a 'younger' mum, if I got the opportunity.

What I like most about the age now is that time wont play a deciding factor if I want more. I wouldn't want to be rushed into a second pregnancy. This way, I can make a decision in my own time, based solely on whether I want it.

27 when I had DC1. DH was 39, though. We had our second at 31/43. I'd like another (34) but Dh (now 46) feels too old.

I was 24 when I had my first and had my second 15 months later.

It was right for me. Can't really say further than that nobody can say that was right for them was anything more than that.

that what was

actually, I may have been 25 I'd have to count back on my fingers to be sure, and I can't be arsed

I had DS at 31, it worked for me because I'd had plenty of time before to travel and do other non child friendly things. That said I can see the advantages of having children younger as well, it was just the way things worked out.

I'll be giving birth to my first sometime around my 35th birthday. Hoping to have a second a few years later...I loved my independence in my 20s - travelling, working, experiencing life. Don't regret waiting one bit.

On the other hand, my best friend had her son at 18: it was difficult, but she's loved every minute.

Different strokes, I guess. Do what's right for you.

I will be 36 when give birth to my first. Not chosen to be this age with first child, but it took 7 years to conceive (failed IVF etc etc). Not sure we will be blessed with a second, but thankful for this one.

I'm 34 and LO is due in 5 weeks. We've been married for 13 years. We first TTC when I was 24/25 but gave up after 2/3 years as it didn't happen. This time it's taken us 3.5 years to conceive. We hope to have another afterwards but are just so grateful to be pregnant with this one after being told it wouldn't happen naturally.

21 when i had my first 27 when i had the second one.

24 when I had my first little surprise! Then 27 when we planned and had his brother. I am now 31 and we def want 1 more maybe 2 before I am 35 so we will see what next year may bring

19 when I had my first
22 for my second
24 for my third
and I'll be almost 27 for my fourth

Age does NOT make you a good parent. There are plenty of things that do, but age is not a factor IMO.

I was 24 when I had DS and i'll (still) be 25 when this baby comes along in March.

I'm probably a bit of a disappointment to feminists because my 'dream' in life was to be married and have my own family quite young which is working out pretty well so far. That said since becoming a mum i've realised the importance of having a life for myself and am just completing a degree in the hope that one day, when the kids are a bit older i'll be able to become a teacher, even part time.

I was 33, had been with my husband four years and married for one. It's just when it worked for us, and that we're fairly financially stable is a bonus but wasn't a pre-requisite.

[b]SausageSmuggler[/b], as a very proud feminist I wouldn't say that for a second. To me feminism is about women having the right and ability to make the choices that are right for them on an equal footing.

39 with dc1, 42 now and dc2 due in less than 2 weeks. this has worked really well for us, though i appreciate we took a risk with fertility and other people might not be so lucky. but not sure it makes much difference what age you are exactly, so long as you feel ready - i know i would have been deeply resentful in my 20s of the amount of care raising a child requires

I have quite a range of ages...

DS1 18
DS2 21
DS3 + 4 26
DS5 31
DS6 33

Wish I'd been a bit older, pregnancy was accidental (I was in my last year of sixth form at boarding school) but now I wouldn't change it for the world because I've had a big family without having ridiculously small age gaps.

DP's first DS was born when he was 37, his 2nd just before he turned 45. I'm 29 and will (should!) be 30 by the time our first DC is born next year - DP will be 51 shortly after. I've asked him a few times about having children at home until he's hitting 70, and he says he couldn't be happier at the thought, as long as it's with me (soppy so-and-so ).

Oh and 34 weeks with my DS7 and I'm 36 :)

I was 33.
Carefully planned, very much wanted and i was 100% ready as was dh.

Together 10 years, married for 3 when we had ds.

We had a very active and happy life and were financially secure when we had him.
perfect for us.

21 - Had DS in the August and got married in the October

27 with my first, but she was stillborn. I'm 28 now and DD2 is due in March. I always wanted to be a young mum - my mum was 17 and she's the best mum I know (in my biased opinion!). 27 isn't that young, by comparison. I am the first of my friends to start having kids, and DH is nearly 32 and only one of his friends has a baby so far.

25, due in jan. :)

I'll be 27 when DC1 comes in Feb and DH will be 30. When it makes its appearance well have been together 8 1/2 years n married for 1. Can't wait. We've wanted kids for ages but personally for us not been In the right position to do so until now

25