Pregnancy Over 40, A Child Over 40
Having a baby over the age of 40 has been a great experience for me. But, like having children at any age, there are rough spots as well.See also: www.getpregnantover40.com for more articles on pregnancy and motherhood over 40
From my experience it has been very positive. Since I worked so many years before having a child and only teach part-time now, I have the time to devote to raising my daughter. I also have the maturity to help her navigate the whole growing up process. This article gives more tips and advice:
From the article:
Tips:
The maturity that goes with being an older mom brings many advantages, often including less stress on a marriage, more certainty about one’s identity, and more ease about childrearing. However, many moms are surprised to find that there are also some concerns and issues that they may face:
Some Issues That Older Moms Are Likely to Face:
Struggle with her identity – going from having a full-time career to being a mom
Isolation – Her same-age peers are at different stage of life, so she sometimes feels left out, and there’s a sense of different priorities than fellow (younger) mothers
Stress – High expectations of what being a mom is going to be like. Her baby is incredibly important to her, a major investment because she’s waited so long, so there can sometimes be stress associated with the need for everything to be perfect, and for everything to be done right.
Fatigue – sometimes, though not always, fatigue can be greater with older moms
What can an older mom do?
Make sure you ask for help from your partner and your friends and family – and from professionals if you can afford to get help.
Talk with other older moms. Find a network of friends who are going through motherhood at the same stage of life, so you don’t always feel left out or disconnected. (See web site below)
Exercise to stay in shape and make it easier to keep up with your kids; eat right, and get enough sleep!
from: (www.montekids.org)
