What readers have said about Better Late Than Never Baby.
A great read! Serena Kirby has written an up-to-date reference book on some of the top issues we face as older mothers. In an easily digestible format, she covers many key topics with a bit of humour, including some areas not covered in many books: the only child and things to consider as many AMA moms do have one child; the mature-age dad and implications for the family since few of us are married to young men; and understanding fatigue, a common ground issue that many of us share, and some advice on overcoming it.
Most importantly, Serena is on the same wavelength as our Project: asking readers to consider what really is the level of risk (in pregnancy) when it comes to you and supporting them with you are not alone (and having a child means you rarely are).
We are proud to have Better Late Than Never Baby on our list of Recommended Books.
Sharon Munroe, first-time mother at 40, Founder of The Advanced Maternal Age Project, Texas, USA.
Reading Serenas book was like having a conversation with a very good friend. Its light-hearted approach to a serious subject made it an easy read, allowing one to reflect on ones own experience through a more humorous lens.
This book is a must for older women who are childbearing, and their support network, as it will allow all involved to understand what is happening or may happen and to put strategies in place to diminish some of the negative aspects of the experience.
I also recommend it to health care professionals caring for such women, and their families, as it provides a view to the lived experience as well as points you in the direction of evidence to support the care you provide.
Dr Ravani Duggan, RM, RN, PhD. First-time mother at (nearly) 42.
Im 43 with a 19-month-old and want another but not sure my old body or my new husband will cope! Just loved this book. Finished it at midnight, just couldnt put it down. All the best for the future.
Suzanne C, Perth, Western Australia.
Full of truth and dare. Balanced by humour and just enough information to make this a very useful read. I will be recommending this as a must-read to my own daughter and others contemplating the parenting journey.
Kay Winton, Research Administration Manager, Sydney University.
I loved this book. Its strength is the combination of the intensely personal and the facts and figures presented from the evidence base in the area.
The stories of the author and the many parents she interviewed add an authenticity to the book. But the real delight of the book is the humour that ties together the cold hard realities and the joys and triumphs of the parents. A must read for all older mothers and fathers too.
Dr Ruth McConigley, RN, PhD.
Have only just started to read your book but felt compelled to email. I feel like Im reading MY story. Thanks so much for showing me
Im not alone.
Gina, Perth, Western Australia.
You turn facts and stats into an interesting and worthwhile read. Thank you for sharing your story and your research.
Sophie Madden, first-time mother at 39, South Australia.
Serena Kirby knows what it is to go through the tsunami of change that is late-life motherhood. She generously shares her experiences and the years of research she put into understanding the unique challenges that older mothers face. By the time Id finished this book, I had a long list of friends I thought would also benefit from reading it.
Jennie Fitzhardinge, Counsellor, Western Australia.
Am only at page 17 and am so into this book.
Have to say your world my worldso similar scary!
Jane, first-time mother at 42, Perth, Western Australia.
I thought the mix of personal experience, summarised research and sign posts for where to go to get more information or help, will greatly benefit mums out there.
Pip Brennan, Manager, Community Midwifery, Western Australia.
Serena has a way of expressing her experiences that left me with new insights and understanding. Loved this book!
Oona Mansour, mother of two, Denmark, Western Australia.
Im not yet a mother and, to be honest, I was a little nervous at the thought of becoming an older mother. However, Serenas helpful, frank and motivational book has helped me to realise that being an older mother is not something to fear but something to embrace.
Kylie P, hoping-to-be-a-mother, aged 34.
About time! Or is it Better Late Than Never? Thank you Serena for filling a niche with your informative and successful debut. Older mothers all over the world will thank you. Easy to read, complicated subjects made easy, well researched, heartfelt and honest. As a paediatric health professional I meet many older mothers and their babies. I know I will be a better advocate for them after reading this book. I will be recommending this informative, highly enjoyable book to not only older mothers and fathers but all mothers and health professionals.
Fiona Gilbert Registered Nurse, South Australia
About time! Or is it Better Late Than Never? Thank you Serena for filling a niche with your informative and successful debut. Older mothers all over the world will thank you. Easy to read, complicated subjects made easy, well researched, heartfelt and honest. As a paediatric health professional I meet many older mothers and their babies. I know I will be a better advocate for them after reading this book. I will be recommending this informative, highly enjoyable book to not only older mothers and fathers but all mothers and health professionals.
Fiona Gilbert Registered Nurse, South Australia
Cover Design by Adrienne McDermott
Denmark Creative Designs. www.denmarkcreative.com.au
Ebook formatting by Open Copy
www.opencopy.com.au
Logo (Things I Wish I Had Known)
by Creative Page.
www.creativepage.com.au
Published by Things I Wish I Had Known
Denmark, Western Australia
ISBN 978-0-9875365-0-1
Copyright 2013 Serena Kirby
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission of the author. If you would like to share this ebook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you wish to share it with. If you are reading this ebook and did not purchase it, please consider the hard work of the author and visit www.ThingsIWishIHadKnown.com to purchase your own copy.
Disclaimer
This book is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physicians. The reader should regularly consult a physician in matters relating to his/her health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.
Website:www.ThingsIWishIHadKnown.com
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For my son,
who proved that anything is possible.
Foreword
When I became pregnant with my first baby at 42 I went looking for pregnancy books written for my age group. Occasionally, I stumbled across a chapter or paragraph dedicated to older mothers, and in several cases bought a book purely for its snippet of relevance. What I really wanted to read was how my older age may impact on my pregnancy, my baby, my body and my life.
But finding a book written by a mature age mother, for mature age mothers proved, as elusive to me as pregnancy had previously been.
The lack of information seemed strangely out of step with the fact that one out of every five women worldwide is currently delaying motherhood until age 35 and over. And, in Australia, research from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows the number of women aged between 35 and 39 having a baby has tripled in the past 30 years.