What is wrong with being "old"?

[Momma_Halo]

Mothers have a lot of opinions and some of them are really bad when it comes to what age you should be when you get pregnant. I have heard it all.

"I want to be young enough to play with my kids!" Ummm have they seen women in their 50's lately? My mother is almost 50 and is training the young Marines. Look at Janet Jackson, Madonna, and many other stars that are older than 40. They are all very active, very energetic, and can run circles around most young women. And many women still look good.

Being in your fifties is no longer a death sentence. With modern health awareness, healthy diets, and exercise meant for older women. We are just living longer and looking good. 

The other myth I hear about is "After 30 your child will get birth defects". That rumor has been flying around for a long time. 

"With an overall prevalence of 3%-5%, babies born with birth defects are the leading cause of infant death in the United States. Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal cause for birth defects. The most common non-chromosomal birth defects are congenital heart defects, cleft lip and palate, and abdominal wall defects (gastroschisis or omphalocele). New data suggests that if a women gives birth between the ages of 25 and 30, then the risk of babies with non-chromosomal birth defects is at its lowest. Women who are both older and younger than this seem to have a greater risk for this type of birth defects." 

http://www.ivf1.com/age-birth-defects/

Sorry girls, younger or older we are all at risk of giving birth to a birth defect child. 

There is nothing wrong with being an older mom and so what if I want to adopt when I am in my 30's? As long as I take care of myself and I can financially take care of them. Then I think I will do fine. So to all those women bashing me for it (my family) buzz off. 

[evwsquared]

Feb. 10, 2010 at 7:43 PM

Has someone really been bashing you? You're a spring chicken (says this 35 year old!) I couldn't imagine having had children when I was younger. I would have done a good job, but I have so much more to offer now, intellectually, emotionally, and financially. For heaven's sake, it's not like people in their 30s walk with canes and order from the senior menu!

I agree that people are exceptionally vibrant and active as they get older, though so many people have this stereotype of the little old lady with white hair. I don't know anyone in her 50s who would match that description. My mom had me when she was 30, my brother when she was 32, and she still looks better than most people I know.

[Momma_Halo]

Feb. 10, 2010 at 7:48 PM

With PCOS it looks like if I do get pregnant it will be a miracle. And if not hubby and I have decided to adopt in our early thirties. We get all sorts of comments about it! 

I completely agree about that stereotype. I hardly ever see it now. I had my son at 23 and that felt like a struggle. I have more to offer now at 28 and I am a lot more calmer with college under my belt. 

Tomas had a lot of health problems and I have a lot of health problems. I really wish I would have waited to have him but my body had other plans and I made do with my miracle boy. If I would have waited hubby and I would probably have been able to handle all this and have insurance to cover and all sorts of things.

(Original Poster)

[caitxrawks]

Feb. 10, 2010 at 8:04 PM

LOL I'm only 21 and I feel like an old fart. I'm so out of shape, it terrifies me to even think about aging.

[Momma_Halo]

Feb. 10, 2010 at 8:09 PM

I just turned 28 and even though I have issues with my health I have had them since I was young. I feel better at 28 then I did at 21. I see it like wine. You only get better with age.

(Original Poster)

[Guaranteed]

Feb. 12, 2010 at 3:32 PM

I'm sure glad my mom didn't think 30s was too old for kids! She had me at 31, and I'm her oldest child! I think that it really depends on the person, and when they feel ready for parenthood. I think it's awesome that you and hubs are talking about possibly adopting. You should take a look at A Family for Every Child, it's an awesome program, they have a website (afamilyforeverychild.org)