The changing face of having babies

Back then, babies were to be put in their cots with their heads at the top of the cot. A baby's room was to be kept warm, at least 25 degrees. Today we are told to always put babies on their backs, never on their tummies, foot to foot in the cot (that means their feet are at the bottom of the cot) and the room temperature should be between 16 and 20 degrees. This is completely opposed to what I was advised in the 1980s.

In the 1980s mothers also started weaning at 12 weeks, and introduced cows milk at six months. Now it's 16 weeks and 12 months respectively. Oh, and soft boiled eggs were an ideal first food - I sometimes wonder how my children survived.

On a more personal note, having babies in my 40s has been a wonderful experience. I might not have the same energy as I had once, and my parents are elderly now and can't help as much as they did with my daughters. But I feel much more relaxed about parenting now. I'm more patient. I've gained rich, life experiences, I've two beautiful teenage daughters and I've learned about bringing up children from people around me.

Today, I'm happy to stay at home. I don't have a career to build up now and my partner, Martin, and I are financially secure. I see my babies as the most wonderful gift and I look forward to the future more than I ever thought I could.

Are you aged over 40 and hoping to have a baby? Why not take your questions and concerns to the Pregnancy Issues Over 40 message board and join in the lively discussions?