SOME argue that the ideal age range for childbirth is between 20 and 30 years old to minimize pregnancy-related risks. However, fertility experts suggest that after turning 37, women experience a more rapid decline in fertility, making it increasingly challenging to conceive later in life.
Two mothers have responded to critics who deemed them ‘too old’ to be new mothers, emphasizing their ability to provide for their children after years of hard work. Embracing the evolving societal landscape where more women are engaged in full-time careers, starting a family at a younger age is growing more complex.
Nevertheless, a new trend on TikTok has gained momentum, showcasing new mothers over the age of 40. The trending hashtag ‘pregnantover40’ has amassed 71.6 million views, featuring mothers documenting their experiences as “mature moms.”
Among the participants in this TikTok trend are friends Stuart Brazell and Selah Victor, both of whom welcomed babies after the age of 40. Stuart, a mother of two and an entertainment reporter, posted a lighthearted video with Selah in response to age-related comments, humorously referring to themselves as “old moms.”
The video captures various moments of the mothers interacting with their children, where they playfully mention aspects that set them apart from friends who became parents in their high school years. Despite facing certain challenges labeled as “high risk” and “geriatric” during pregnancy, these mothers celebrate their unique journey into motherhood at a more advanced age.
The viral video has garnered over 70.7k likes, sparking a wave of positive reactions from viewers. Many viewers resonated with the concept of being “old moms” by highlighting their established careers, global travels, and the financial stability that allows them to offer enriching experiences to their children.
Furthermore, these stories of conception and motherhood after 40 have inspired hope in women embarking on a similar path, showcasing narratives of perseverance and joy in starting a family later in life.