Midlife Motherhood: Pregnancy Over 35

Your Age and Mature Mothering

"Physiologically an older mom can care for her child the same as a younger mom, and some research indicates that older moms are better because they are more mature," says Dr. Alan DeCherney, MD, chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCLA.

"My age was probably a great help to me during my son's infancy," says 51-year-old, Sandra Kay Helsel of Arizona. She was 11 days shy of her 41st birthday when Aeric was born. "I had a more solid emotional footing than I had in my 20s or even 30s."

"Children of mothers who are in their 30s and 40s may often have potentially positive environmental factors in their favor. These mothers are older and theoretically more mature. Often they have finished their educations. They may have established a stable career and may be more stable financially," explains Dr. Tyler.

"Coming into parenthood later in life has given me a distinct advantage," concludes Curci-Reed. "I feel that I am much calmer and more prepared in so many ways."