Why Having Babies Later in Life Worked for Me?
To all the mums reading this, whether you’ve had your babies early, later, or somewhere in between, I see you. Motherhood isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, and there’s no perfect timeline for when it should begin. For me, it just happened. One day, I was chasing career goals, jet-setting across countries, filling my calendar with late-night dinners and long Sunday brunches… and then, suddenly, everything shifted. It happened that I became a mum and I am so happy. So today, I want to share 7 Reasons I’m Grateful to Be an Older Mum, and maybe it’ll speak to you too.
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Looking back, I know now that becoming a mother later in life was exactly what I needed. And I know there are others out there, perhaps even you reading this now, who might be wondering what motherhood “later” really feels like. Well, let me tell you this: it’s full of joy, surprises, and deep, grounding gratitude.
1. I’ve Finished My Travels (For Now)
If you’re anything like me, you had a list of places you wanted to explore before settling down. I’ve always been a passionate traveller, the kind who fills her passport with stamps and her suitcase with dreams. I studied in Paris, lived in London, and wandered through parts of Asia for months at a time. Travel shaped who I am it gave me independence, confidence, and a broader view of the world.
Now that I’m a mum, travel looks different. These days, it’s less about hostels and hidden alleys and more about car seats, snacks, and finding the nearest clean toilet. But here’s the thing, I don’t feel like I missed out. I had my time, my freedom, and now I get to enjoy a whole new version of travel with my kids. We’ll still go places, and I look forward to watching them discover the world with fresh, curious eyes. I’m just so grateful that I had those early adventures, now I’m ready for a different kind of journey.
2. I Feel Young and Vibrant
You might think being an “older mum” makes you feel old. But I’ve found the opposite to be true: motherhood keeps me young! From playing chase in the backyard to learning the words to every theme song on ABC Kids, I’m more in touch with my playful side than ever.
Spending time with other mums, many of whom are younger than me, helps me stay connected and energised. And honestly, when you’re up to your elbows in finger paint or dancing in the lounge room to Bluey’s soundtrack, no one’s asking how old you are. Parenting brings us all to the same level — tired, happy, and winging it most of the time.
I’ve realised youth isn’t a number, it’s a mindset. And these little ones of mine? They’re the best anti-aging routine I could ever ask for.
3. I’m More Fit Than I’ve Ever Been
Let me tell you something surprising, I’m in better shape now, as a mum in my late 30s/40s, than I was in my 20s. It’s not because I’m chasing a number on the scale or want to “bounce back” from anything. It’s because motherhood made me want to be strong.
Keeping up with energetic toddlers is no joke. I want to be the mum who can run, lift, carry, crawl, and dance — without running out of steam halfway through the day. So I make time for movement, even if it means waking up a bit earlier or doing squats while the kettle boils. My body has a purpose now that’s bigger than fitting into skinny jeans. I’m doing it for them and for me, too.
Motherhood gave me a reason to value my health in a way I never did before. And that, honestly, feels like a superpower.
4. I’m More Patient Than I Ever Was
When I think back to my 20s, I remember how quick I was to lose patience with people, with delays, with myself. But now? Patience feels like something I’ve cultivated over the years, and I bring that with me into motherhood.
Don’t get me wrong, parenting still tests me every single day. There are tantrums, tears, negotiations over toast, and days when everything goes sideways. But I’m not as quick to snap. I’ve learned to breathe, to pause, to pick my battles, and to remember that these little people are just learning how the world works.
Experience has taught me that not everything needs an immediate reaction. Sometimes, just sitting with your child in their frustration is more powerful than trying to fix it. And I’m not sure I could have done that in my younger years. Now? I have more space to listen, to understand, and to love without rushing.
5. I’ve Finally Calmed Down
I used to live life at full speed. My calendar was packed, my mind raced all the time, and I always felt like I had something to prove. I was successful, driven, and anxious. Sleep was optional. Rest was rare. Slowing down felt like failure.
Becoming a mother later in life changed all of that. I no longer feel like I need to hustle to be worthy. These days, my proudest accomplishments are bedtime stories and baby giggles. I’ve learned to live in the moment, not rush through it.
Motherhood gave me permission to slow down and focus on what matters. I feel more grounded now, more in tune with myself and my children. Even on the hard days, I know I’m exactly where I need to be.
6. I Had Time to Build My Career First
For many of us, the years before kids are filled with ambition, chasing promotions, launching businesses, and exploring creative dreams. And I’m so grateful I had that time. I poured my energy into my career, learned what I was capable of, and reached a point where I felt secure and accomplished.
When I finally stepped into motherhood, I didn’t feel like I was giving up anything; I felt ready to shift gears. I had ticked off some big goals, bought my first home, and had a strong sense of who I was. That gave me freedom. I wasn’t trying to juggle everything at once instead, I was ready to embrace the slower, more soul-nourishing pace of family life.
To all the women out there pouring themselves into work right now, I see you. And I promise, if and when the time feels right, motherhood can still fit beautifully into the life you’re building.
7. I Lived a Full Life Before Children
This one means a lot to me. Before I became a mum, I lived a full, rich, and beautiful life. I experienced love, heartbreak, adventure, boredom, freedom, and discovery. I had quiet mornings and wild nights. I danced, dreamed, learned, and grew.
Because of that, I don’t feel like I’m missing out now. I don’t feel that pull to “reclaim” anything. I did those things. I enjoyed them. And now, my joy looks different it’s sticky fingers, sleepy cuddles, early morning cartoons, and watching my children learn to laugh.
I’m not longing for the past because I lived it fully. Now, I’m here, in this chapter, with both feet and an open heart.
To the Mum Who’s Wondering if It’s Too Late
If you’re reading this and wondering whether you’ve waited too long, whether you’ve “missed the boat,” or whether it’s still possible to be the kind of mum you dream of, let me say this gently, with love: You have not missed a thing.
There is so much beauty in becoming a mother when you’re ready. Whether that’s at 25 or 45, your timing is your own. And if your journey has brought you to motherhood later in life, I hope you’ll see, like I did, that it can be everything you never knew you needed.
I’m not saying it’s always easy; no version of parenting is. But I am saying this: I am grateful. Grateful for the path I took, the years I lived, and the way it all led me here to these little hands in mine, to bedtime snuggles and banana-sticky kisses.
So to all the fellow “older mums” out there: I see you. I celebrate you. And I hope you know how powerful, capable, and extraordinary you are.
