I became pregnant with my 3rd child 1 month prior to my 45th birthday. He was born full term and totally healthy at 7 lb 3 oz. He is now 15. My other children are now 32 and 29. I have been thrilled since the minute I became pregnant and have never been sorry to have my son. He happens to be amazing in every way. But beyond that, he has made my life so rich and I believe with all my heart he was meant to be. Of course, I was blessed with good health and so was my baby. Many tell me I was very "lucky" but I know another mom who had an autistic child at 45 and she feels blessed as well. My two older children were still in the house for the first 5 years of my son's life and this helped with the physically exhausting parts of being a mom. I think support systems or the money to afford help is a huge plus. The wisdom and peace of mind that comes with the experience of being a mom at a later age is so great. You have been through so much that you are not as nervous as younger moms. It was in many ways much easier at 45. I am now 61 and I do not feel old. People are shocked when I tell them my age thinking I am 50. I do think it forces you to stay young in mind set and to just to sort of "fit in" ..(.I am really surprised I am able to keep up with running him to sports and staying on top of his social life and his schoolwork...but he is mostly an A student, all honors and plays varsity since freshman year. ) So much of life is attitude and perspective. My path may not be the norm but it makes my journey unique and I would do it all again if I had to choose!