For those who had children when they were younger and older

[Anonymous]

I had my first two at 27 and 31. At 36 I’m considering a third. If you had kids when you were on both the younger and older side (realize neither of these are all that young or old, for what it’s worth) can you share your experience? How different were your pregnancies, recoveries, energy levels, ability to deal with sleep deprivation, etc?

For me I noticed a significant difference between 1 and 2, so I am worried that 3 will do me in.

[Anonymous]

I had mine at 36 & 39. I am tired all the time. I love my kids to bits but wish I had more energy like I did in my 20s to keep up with them. I think depending on if you have an easy baby/good sleeper etc and are in good physical shape it could be a bit easier. Good luck either way!

[Anonymous]

Dude. For this board, 36 is not old. You’ll be fine.

[Anonymous]

I had kids at 24 and 34. I had very easy pregnancies in general so I may not be the best person to ask.

[Anonymous]

I had them very close to the age you are considering. No issue with the pregnancy at 36. I then had another at 40 and that’s when I noticed the difference in energy. I will also say I feel my kids were easiest in late elementary and middle school. I then ended up with high schoolers and toddlers...both very needy ages.

[Anonymous]

Mine are 13 years apart. No real difference physically, but I’m definitely one of the older moms in my youngest’s class.

[Anonymous]

Mine are 12 years apart and at least 3 moms of the youngest’s classmates had last babies at age 42. For me, there’s been so many positives that I don’t notice my own advanced age. Pregnancies and babies were all very similar.

[Anonymous]

I had mine at 39. I feel tired a lot and the first few years when DC was little was quite difficult. But after age 4 it has been good. But I find myself unable to catch up when it comes to cleaning the house after all the mess. DC in elementary school. There are other moms in the 40's (second child) so I don't feel that old when I go for class parties.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dude. For this board, 36 is not old. You’ll be fine.

Really that's not that old. My spouse has a 20+ age difference between kids. 2nd time around was much easier as different spouse, more money, etc.

[Anonymous]

I had mine at 25 at 30, and already there was such a difference between the two that I didn't want another pregnancy.

[Anonymous]

I had them at 38 and 44. 38 was a breeze and my body bounced back quickly. 44 was really hard. I will never be the same. Worth it, but yikes.

[Anonymous]

I was thinking you were going to say like 20 and 40. 27 isn’t young and 36 isn’t old. You’ll be fine. If you want another, have another.

[Anonymous]

I had both of mine right near 40. I'm almost 50 now, and I can't tell you how much I want to scream, "What are you thinking, having a third! My god, woman!!"

I have the same internal response whenever ANYONE mentions wanting to have children.

It's SO hard, and I have well-mannered, intelligent children. I have also aged so much more than ten years these last ten years. Good Lord!!

We're getting into family therapy now as a preventative measure, just so I can survive their teen years.

My advice? Get a dog. Plant a tree. Get a good night's sleep. Wait for the desire to pass.

[Anonymous]

27, 30, 39 and surprise-twins @ 48!! Easiest pregnancies were first & last. Difference parenting first was all the worries. For the last it was none of my friend had to worry about childcare and my inflexible schedule.

[Anonymous]

I had my first when I was almost 20 and will be having my 2nd at 35. I don’t know how different it will be raising new baby but I can tell you both pregnancies have been similar. With first I had HG u til week 22 but after that I didn’t really feel pregnant, had a lot of energy and no other symptoms. Labor was fast and not terrible. This time around I’ve had severe morning sickness but not HG level. I was still able to eat. I’m 6 months and still with nausea and lots of aches and pains, acid reflux, trouble sleeping. I’m not more tired than I was pre pregnancy. My life now is different than it was the first time so that is the major difference. The first time around I wasn’t really working or had any responsibilities. This time around I have a demanding job and a teenager. I feel a lot more stressed and I’m scared about how I will deal with this new baby.