This Indiana mom is as vocal about her faith as she is about her two successful pregnancies over age 35 and her miscarriages. Pictured  above with daughters, meet our Featured First Time Mom Over 35 as she shares her faith-filled pregnancy and birth journey, which included a healthy diet and medication.

Name: Sherry

Age you gave birth: I was 36 with my first baby, and 40 with my second one.

State/Country of residence: Indiana

Children’s names and ages: Faith is now 5, and Josephine is almost 2!

Current or former profession(s): Mom blogger at TheLateStork.com

PREGNANCY

How long were you trying to get pregnant? 

We naturally conceived 3 months after getting married.  With our second baby, we were trying for two years and needed help with fertility medication.

What did you do or not do to increase your chances of getting pregnant after 35?

I didn’t do anything but pray for our first daughter, Faith.  For Josephine, lots and lots more prayer. I ate healthier, and stopped drinking coffee.  I eventually had to take medication to force ovulation, scheduled intercourse and conceived!  Before conceiving with Josephine, we had two miscarriages.

SUPPORT

Medical Community

How supportive were your doctors during your pregnancy?

My doctors were all very supportive!  They weren’t concerned about my age. They took good care of me, and kept me informed of any potential risks during pregnancy or health issues with our babies.

Did you change doctors or would like to have changed doctors? Why or why not?

I never considered switching doctors. I felt very safe under their care. I was fortunate enough to have the same physician deliver both our daughters!

Family and Friends

What was the reaction of friends and family when you told me about your pregnancy?  Extremely excited and grateful to God that our prayers were being answered.

LABOR AND DELIVERY

What do you remember most about the birth experience?

My first birth was 31 hours long!  Faith was 2 weeks overdue, and I had to be induced.  Very long time to be in labor.  Here is Faith’s birth video!  https://youtu.be/BYAhEajO_v4

With Josephine, I again had to be induced because I had gestational diabetes and they wanted her out 2 weeks early.   Labor pains began about 12 hours after being induced, and the contractions lasted about 4 hours I think.  I know they usually say second pregnancies are easier but that was not the case for me.  Contractions were much more painful the second time giving birth!  But so worth it! Here’s Josephine’s birth video!  https://youtu.be/Rz9I0-WtNeg

I’M A MOM!

Do you have any concerns about being a mom over 35?

If so, how do you address these concerns? I am BLESSED to be an older mom.  I have full trust in God’s timing.  There is a time and season for everything – Ecclesiastes 3:1. In this season of my life I am thanking the Lord every single day for our beautiful and healthy baby girls He gave us.

What do you enjoy most about being a first time mom over 35?

I’m happy to have two important qualities now: Wisdom and humility.  Characteristics I wouldn’t have had much of  if I became a mother in my 20’s.  I have learned that life does not go as you planned, but how the Lord has planned. “Humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” – Proverbs 16:9. I have learned that I want and need Jesus in my life in order to have the life I was meant to live.  I humbled myself and learned that “they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles!” – Isaiah 40:31. It is so true!

How has becoming a mom changed you?

To be honest, I feel I have always been a mother… just waiting on my children 🙂  The only thing that has changed is my ever-growing love and thankfulness to our Lord. With each passing day, I get to see my girls grow and thrive and learn about our sweet Heavenly Father.  What an enormous blessing that is!

What advice do you have for women considering motherhood after 35?

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7

If motherhood after 35 does not become a reality, learn to accept what God’s plan may be for your life; whatever that may be.  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.

One thing I have always blogged about during my own journey of pregnancies and miscarriages is, “Always hold on to the Lord’s hand. Never let go. No matter what happens.”