The project: having a baby over 35 years.

The purpose of this Australian study was to evaluate the experiences of a group of first time mothers aged more than 35 years. In depth qualitative interviewing was employed and a total of 22 women were interviewed over three points of time during late pregnancy and the early postpartum period. Findings indicated that a percentage of mothers approached childbearing as a major project in their lives. Data analysis revealed that the project progressed through clearly defined stages of: information gathering; planning and preparing and finishing up tasks prior to the birth (clearing the deck). Findings from this study provide an opportunity for greater understanding of the first mothering experiences of women aged more than 35 years, particularly women with significant career investment. Greater understanding, in turn, may enable health professionals to identify specific needs and concerns of this cohort, and thus to provide more meaningful maternal support and woman sensitive care.