What's the best age to have a baby?

Is there a “perfect age” to become a mum? Three first-time mums from different age groups talk about how they’re getting to grips with motherhood – and two experts give their view as well.

In your 20s?

Hannah Smallman, 23, lives with her partner Simon and their five-month-old son Cameron in Aldershot, Hampshire.

“I was working part-time in childcare when I got pregnant. I did a journalism degree, but have always been very child-orientated and felt I’d like to have children first and a career later, so Cameron was very much planned.

“The pregnancy pretty much went without a problem and I had a very quick labour. My waters went at 2.30am and things progressed quickly. I got to hospital at 9.30am and Cameron literally popped out after 15 minutes of pushing, just over an hour later.

“Cameron fed every hour for the first week and I found it absolutely exhausting. I’ve found the nights the hardest thing to deal with. I’m very aware that Cameron might be keeping his dad awake, as Simon’s got to get up for work.

“There’s a lot more financial pressure on him now and that does create a few arguments. I hate having to ask for money to buy baby clothes. Things can be tense sometimes, especially when Simon’s tired from work and I’m craving adult conversation. We’ve had to learn to talk about how we feel and, most importantly, laugh together.

“I’ve got involved with all the “mum activities” I can find. Sitting around the house can give you cabin fever, so my advice would be to make the effort to go out; you’ll feel better for it. But I’ve got no regrets. When Cameron’s 20, I’ll be just 43 – think of what I can do with my career then. I’ve got the rest of my life ahead of me.”

What the experts say:

“I find that younger mums just go with the flow and are less anxious than older mums. They tend to take to breastfeeding more easily, too. On the downside, you’re probably not as likely to look after yourself as well as an older women – you’re not into health in the same way.” Zita West, midwife

 “At this age it’s often easier to get pregnant in the first place – you’re in peak physical condition. But one of the problems with very young mums (teens to early 20s) is that they have a higher risk of pre-eclampsia, and no one really knows why. On the plus side, you have boundless energy so the stresses and strains of looking after a baby are that much less.” Dr Carol Cooper, GP