This project is about celebrating the strength of women and it is also about challenging misconceptions such as “it’s dangerous to have a child after 40” or “it’s too difficult to be an older mum”. We also want to put the spotlight on women who may have waited to have a child because they were focused on their career in their 20’s and 30’s or women who conceived after a long time of trying to get pregnant or trying treatments such as IVF. We are hoping to develop a series of honest, intimate and raw portraits of mothers with their child.
Carolina
Tell us your story.
I was 41. My partner and I had already two boys at home, but in the back of my mind, I always thought we would have another child.
Life was busy between work, family life and trying to study for the professional exams and it just seemed like it was never the right time and now, 6 years later, it seemed like it just wasn't going to happen.
Then, a few months later, we received the news that our third child was on the way, just two weeks after I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and put on medication.
Obviously, for us, this was amazing wonderful news, and it felt like my body was giving me one last chance to complete my family.
Did you have any fears about carrying a child when you were over 40?
Yes, I think everybody does regardless of their age, you just want to make sure that your baby is okay and that your body is providing the best environment for him to grow in.
However, I was concerned about how, having passed the 40s, would affect my pregnancy, you are more aware of the risks of genetic disorders, also the risk of preeclampsia since I was already on high blood pressure medication. Would I and my baby be able to get to the end strong and healthy, or not?
Did any of these fears materialize?
Not one. Despite all concerns, this was probably the best of my three pregnancies, not only the blood pressure was under control, I was eating healthier and I kept working full time until 2 weeks before my due date.
I still had the tiredness and restless nights that come at the end of every pregnancy, but I would say iron deficiency (which I also had in my other two pregnancies in my 30s) was the biggest thing I had to worry about.
How did your life change afterwards? Or did it?
Life is busier now with an 8-month-old baby at home, although I have great help from my other two boys who love their baby brother more than anybody else in this world, and they are now asking for a second one so that they could have one baby each!
How has society received you as a mother over 40?
I haven't noticed any difference, to be honest, I think is more common nowadays and people are more open-minded about what age does motherhood belong to.
What would you say to women who are currently childless and thinking about conceiving?
Go for it! Don't let your age be an obstacle. It's a miracle! If it feels right for you, do it, don't miss out on it because you are in your 40s.
