OLDEST MUM…

29th May

Until recently, going through the menopause put a definite end to any thoughts of having children.

But thanks to medical advances, this is no longer a hurdle for those who still want children, raising the question of exactly how old is too old for a woman to have a baby.

And the debate has been thrown into the limelight once again after Elizabeth Adeney became Britain's oldest mum - at the age of 66.

There's no doubting she will give her child the best possible life - after all she has chosen to have this baby, and gone through so much to do so.

But I think you would struggle to find someone who is completely comfortable with it.

While most women in their 60s are thinking of how to make the most of their retirement, Mrs Adeney is going to be up to her eyes in dirty nappies and running around after a boisterous toddler.

And what about her son? When he reaches his 18^th birthday, his mum is going to be well into her 80s.

He is going to notice that his mum is a lot older than other parents in the playground, and I'm pretty sure other children will spot it as well.

How much finger pointing and name calling is he going to have to face during his school years from youngsters who realise his mum is closer in age to their gran?

And when he should be enjoying his teenage years, staying out late and making his parents worry sick about his whereabouts, he is going to be caring for a woman in her 80s.

Is she going to be there for major milestones in his life, like his university graduation, his wedding day and the birth of his children?

Mrs Adeney has defended her decision to have IVF saying 'It's not physical age that's important - it's how I feel inside.''

But while she might feel great now, her son is still going to need her in 10 or 20 years time. Is she still going to feel as good then?

Women are having children later in life now, but we are talking late 30s or early 40s, not at the same time they collect their pension.

I can't help but feel women go through the menopause for a reason.

IVF is a great alternative for those who aren't able to have children naturally, but I'm not sure that should include women nature considers to be too old?

Written by Gemma