Advanced Maternal Age

As featured in the current issue of Austin Woman Magazine, this is a project about becoming a first-time mother after the age of 35.   This labor of love is being developed by Sharon Munroe, who became a mother for the first time at an “Advanced Maternal Age” of 40 and her project manager Kathryn Sisler, a University of Texas at Austin sociology and psychology student. Sharon told her story to individuals seeking support for over four years and in 2012  created a place where other women can freely share their stories in a supportive environment and offer inspiration to others. We believe that such experiences are somewhat different than those of women who become first-time mothers in their teens, 20s or even early 30s due to life experiences, careers, health and the wisdom we gain as we age.

 We Want to Hear from You!

If you became a mother for the first time at age of 35 or later, we’d love hear your story!  We’re starting with a blog and will be conducting sociological research during the second half of 2013. We are particularly interested in (but you are not limited to sharing) the following:

Topics You May Wish to Write About:

• conscious choice to become a mother later for a variety of reasons (such as after career is developed and education is complete)
• infertility
• losses, including miscarriage
• pregnancy
• birth stories
• foster placement of a newborn, infant or young child
• adoption of a newborn, infant or young child
• early years of child’s life
• expert voices – stories from professionals who work with women of an advanced maternal age

Themes and Emotions of Your Story May Include One or More of the Following:

• courage
• intelligence
• empowerment
• humor
• gratefulness
• selfishness
• appreciation

We are also very interested in having people from the birthing community (Doulas, Midwives, OB/Gyns, Maternity Nurses, Fertility Drs. and Therapists) share their professional opinions and anecdotes. If you’d like to contribute to our Expert Voices section, please click here.

If you’d like to take part in our project and submit your story for possible publication on our site and/or in our upcoming article or book, simply fill out our online form.  Check out our writing prompts to help you get started with your story!

Don’t feel comfortable writing your story but still want to take part in our project?  No problem.  Just fill out your contact information with a note explaining that you’d rather be interviewed, and we’ll be in touch to schedule an interview time that’s convenient for you!

If we think your post is a good fit for us, we’ll be in touch to let you know when it will run on our site.