Who Are They Calling Geriatric?! With Mariela De Santiago!
On this episode Sonia and Jessica are joined by Mariela De Santiago from the Mama Wears Athleisure podcast, they dive into what it’s like being ‘geriatric mamas’, exactly when they heard the term ‘geriatric pregnancy’ for the first time, whether or not the phrase is actually being phased out and they weigh in on the replacement phrase… is it really that much better?
Topics discussed in this episode:
Welcome Mama Wears Athleisure! (1:54)
When Was the First Time You Heard the Term ‘Geriatric’? (3:20)
Is the Term ‘Geriatric Pregnancy’ Really Being Phased Out? (9:06)
Is the New Term ‘Advanced Maternal Age’ Better? (13:37)
Stories From Women Who’ve Had Babies Later In Life (19:55)
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Go-to podcast for evidence-based guidance on pregnancy and motherhood, empowering new and expecting mothers. Episode out Wednesdays!
Parent’s.com Instagram Post Stating:
‘Geriatric Pregnancy Is a Thing of the Past’ Caption Reads: #RealTalk: The phrase ‘geriatric pregnancy’ is total BS. If you are pregnant or hoping to have a baby after 35, you may be familiar with the old term. Thankfully, that’s been phased out; the term is now advanced maternal age (AMA).
Buzzfeed Article by Fabiana Buontempo: ‘Women Who Had Kids A Little Older Are Sharing The Many Positives Of Their Experience, And I Think This Gives Hope To A Lot Of Us’
‘I'm a 30-year-old female who would love to have kids one day, but not right now (or even in the next year). So I always find it refreshing to hear from women who had children later in life and their experiences. Here is what some women in the BuzzFeed Community and this Reddit thread had to say:’
"I met my husband when I was 34 years old. We had two unintended pregnancies VERY quickly, within six months of knowing each other. The first was ectopic, so had to be terminated, the second was healthy and resulted in the amazing kiddo we have today. I turned 35 while pregnant and am now in my late 40s. I give all the background because I feel like in my 30s, I was on the cusp of being still silly, yet entering maturity. Being in my 30s, I think I had the maturity and stability to be a parent and long-term partner. And it’s been great! Not without the ups and downs that most relationships have. But my partner and I are the same age, have about the same level-headedness, and actively work at loving and supporting each other while doing our best to be good parents. I know I would not have been capable of this earlier in life. Ironically (maybe), because I’m an older parent, I hope our daughter has kids earlier in life. The difference is I can be there for her and provide the support I didn’t have from my own family."
"I met my husband at 35 (almost 36), and we married when I was 38. I froze my eggs in my early thirties, so we now have two children — one was born when I was 40, and the other was born when I was 41. My eldest is about to turn 3. It’s been hard having back-to-back pregnancies and two toddlers. But they are absolutely the lights in our lives. I’d love to have another, but my OB has advised against it. We’ve also been able to give them so much because we’ve worked hard in our careers, advanced our education, and saved well. But I wish I could give them more years with me and my husband, that’s the only thing I worry about. And I don’t want them to feel pressured to have children young so that they can know us. I want them to live their lives the way they want."
"I met my husband at 34, married at 35, first kid at 36, and second at 37. It's been an amazing adventure so far and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. Finding him later in life gave us the opportunity to truly know ourselves and what we wanted in a partner and luckily for us we didn’t have to settle. It also allowed us to be more financially stable, which is a huge help. I wouldn’t change a thing." (See article here)
Reminder! Geriatric Mamas can enjoy:
20% off services at Ageless Medical Aesthetics in Westbrook, Maine with Code: MAMAS2024, (follow them on instagram!) Also a Free First Swim Class at Goldfish Swim in Portland, Maine with same code: MAMAS2024, call them to schedule at 207-306-2184!
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Send Us Your Story!
Calling all geriatric mamas! We're looking for women of advanced maternal age who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, battling infertility, have gone through surrogacy, fostering, adoption or have plans to be a mama in the future to share their stories! Would you like to write in your story or possibly be a guest on the show? We would love to hear from you!
We now also want to hear about your ‘crusty ovaries’ and ‘moldy eggs’!
Has a Doctor ever said some crazy shit to explain your geriatric fertility situation?! Please share it with us below so that we can weigh in on an upcoming episode!
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Disclaimer:
Please consult your physician for personalized medical and health advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition, your pregnancy, birth plan and post-partum treatments.
Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of something you have heard on the Geriatric Mamas podcast or website.
