I wanted to be a young mom—but life had other plans. That’s the powerful truth shared by a recent Business Insider article titled I wanted to be a young mom. I had my kids at 37 and 40, and I'm glad I waited. This story struck a chord with so many because it challenges a deeply ingrained societal narrative: that early motherhood is the “best” or “only” way to experience parenthood fully.
But is that really the case? And what can the rising trend of later motherhood teach us about fertility, family planning, and reproductive technology in 2025?
The Myth of the Early Mom
For decades, cultural messaging has pushed the idea that fertility peaks in the early twenties and that delaying pregnancy significantly reduces the chances of successful parenthood. While biologically, fertility does decline with age, this narrative oversimplifies a complex picture and can cause unnecessary anxiety and regret.
The Business Insider feature highlights a candid journey of a woman who held herself to an early motherhood timeline (no later than 25) but ended up welcoming her children at 37 and 40. Despite the wait, she reflects on her experience with gratitude rather than regret—a sentiment more and more women are beginning to share.
What Data Tells Us About Fertility After 35
Medical research confirms that female fertility gradually declines after age 30, with a more rapid decrease after 35. However, advances in assisted reproductive technology (ART) and at-home fertility aids have expanded options for people who choose to start families later.
Statistics from companies specializing in at-home insemination kits, like MakeAMom, report promising success rates, even for women conceiving at what is traditionally considered an “advanced maternal age.” For instance, MakeAMom’s average success rate of 67% using home insemination kits highlights how technology and well-designed products can effectively support individuals and couples outside clinical settings.
The Benefits of Waiting: Beyond Biology
Waiting to have children until your 30s or 40s can come with tangible and intangible benefits:
- Financial stability: More likely to have established careers, stable income, and savings to support a growing family.
- Emotional maturity: Life experience often contributes to more confidence and preparedness for the challenges of parenting.
- Stronger relationships: Many find their partnerships more resilient after years of shared experiences.
- Clarity on parenting desires: Delayed parenthood allows more time to reflect on what kind of parent you want to be.
But What About the Challenges?
It’s not all smooth sailing. Later motherhood can come with increased risks for complications during pregnancy and delivery. Fertility difficulties tend to multiply with age, prompting more people to seek support through fertility clinics or innovative home methods.
This is where at-home insemination kits become game-changers. With options tailored for different needs—such as the CryoBaby for frozen sperm or the BabyMaker for those with sensitivities—these reusable, discreet kits offer an empowering alternative. They provide individuals and couples with privacy, cost-effectiveness, and convenience, making the dream of parenthood more accessible than ever.
How to Navigate Your Journey
So, what if you’re not “on schedule” by societal standards? Here are some tips:
- Educate yourself: Understanding fertility, options, and technologies can demystify what lies ahead.
- Seek community: Online forums and support groups (like Nestful!) allow sharing and learning from others’ journeys.
- Consult professionals: Whether it’s a fertility specialist or a trusted resource like MakeAMom’s comprehensive website, reliable information is key.
- Consider your options: From at-home insemination kits to IVF and donor conception, there are many pathways to parenthood.
The Bottom Line
Choosing when to become a mom is deeply personal and influenced by myriad factors—biological, social, emotional, and financial. The compelling narrative from the Business Insider article reminds us that waiting to have children can be not only okay but profoundly enriching.
If anything, advancements in reproductive technology and support systems like those offered by MakeAMom’s innovative home insemination kits empower people to make choices that best fit their lives, rather than conforming to outdated timelines.
So, what’s your story? Have you found unexpected joys in waiting, or are you exploring new paths to parenthood? Share your experiences and questions below—because every path to family is worth celebrating.