Average age of first-time mothers is now 30 - how old were you?

[KateMumsnet]

Hello all

Research published yesterday shows that the average British woman is now having her first child at the age of 30 - and we wondered whether this matches MNers' own experiences. So do share your thoughts - are you bang on average, or under, or over? Does it matter - and would you make the same decision again, given the chance?

31

Glad I left it till then.

28

worked out fine, had good relationship, own home -well, own mortgage- steady job, fond memories of loads of fun to keep me warm, a measure of maturity.

I was 21

28 and 30...

I felt a bit young actually

29

i dont see uni graduates starting earlier but if i had gone to work at 18 not 23 i would have had kids earlier i think

22

Doing ok so far
Have some regrets about my own life but now they're all older and I'm getting more freedom those are easing.

I was 34. No regrets.

I was 29, then 31, then 32 so pretty close to the average.

34. Year or two earlier would have been ok too, but not more. Financially stable, good marriage and a DH who was also ready to be a dad. Stable career and a strong CV, so don't have to worry about unemployment. My sister had a baby at 19 and was struggling, trying to combine motherhood with the fun carefree life her friends were enjoying - but I had already done my travelling and partying, I don't even want to do most things you can't do with a baby, so becoming a parent was not such a massive change and I don't feel like I'm missing out on anythng.

21, I felt very young!! Now aged 39 11/12th my DP and I have decided to have another one!

33. I always said not before I'm 30, I'm not maternal at all and the thought of a child in my twenties filled me with dread. Thank goodness we waited. I'm a much better parent for being older and wiser.

I chose to have a child because I knew DH wanted them. I suspect had he not been fussed one way or the other, we would be childless even now.

22

Had graduated, travelled. My 20s were still fun and had great career progression (until recession).

I get really f off with the anti young mum rhetoric on here.

I was 32. Was a good age for me.

Had next one at 38 though & really felt the difference pregnancy & energy-wise.

30. I was among the first couple out of my uni friends, but friends who hadn't gone to uni seemed to start at about 26.

34

30

17 no regrets

Having a home,job, degree and fond memories are good but its not concrete- they can disappear or be gained at any age.

I'm 30 next month. I have a home, still with my dp, have another ds, have a good job and I enjoy my life.

I really hate the dumb young mum perception. Age does not make you a good parent

32, 'surprised' by my lovely DTDs (glad I didn't wait until we could 'afford' it)

26. Married, mortgaged and settled. No regrets.

35 so way above average nationally although pretty average amongst my friends/ colleagues.

I had just turned 30. We had been TTC for 18 months.

32 and a half to the day.

Oh and zero regrets. Was pretty much the perfect age for me to do it all things considered.