Additional Coverage:
- I became a first-time mom at 46. Being an older parent is a gift because I’m the best version of myself. (businessinsider.com)
Canberra Mom’s Decade-Long Journey to Motherhood Ends with a Surprise
Liz Walton, a 55-year-old Canberra resident, thought her dream of motherhood was over. After ten years and six rounds of IVF, she had reached the end of the road, both financially and emotionally. The news of her sister-in-law’s successful first IVF attempt further compounded her grief.
Walton embarked on a journey of self-healing, focusing on letting go of her dream. She quit smoking and drinking and began to reconnect with her husband, recognizing that she had unfairly directed her frustration towards him due to his anti-sperm antibodies.
At 46, experiencing symptoms she mistook for menopause, a doctor’s visit revealed a shocking surprise: Walton was pregnant. She believes the emotional work she had done to de-stress and accept her situation played a key role in her natural conception.
Her pregnancy wasn’t without its anxieties. A 12-week scan revealed excess fluid in the womb, raising concerns about the baby’s viability and the possibility of Down syndrome. Walton resolved to remain positive and focus on loving her child unconditionally.
Her daughter, Willow, was born healthy and is now a vibrant 9-year-old. Walton acknowledges being one of the oldest moms at school pickup, often 15 years older than the others.
However, she sees her age as a strength, bringing a wealth of life experience and a deeper sense of self-awareness to parenting. Her journey has led her to become a fertility coach, offering support and guidance to others facing similar challenges.
While Walton admits that keeping up with Willow’s energy can be tiring, she wonders if this is more a universal parenting experience than an age-related one. She often finds herself offering support and a listening ear to younger moms facing their own struggles, acting as a sort of “all-around mom” within the school community.
Willow has faced unique challenges as well, having recently lost her last grandparent. This prompted poignant conversations about mortality and life cycles, highlighting the realities of having older parents. Walton sees Willow’s resilience and acceptance as a valuable lesson, one she strives to emulate and pass back to her daughter.
For Walton, motherhood has been a transformative experience. Her focus now is on nurturing Willow’s strength and individuality, empowering her to navigate the world with confidence and resilience. Regardless of her age, Walton feels an immense sense of fulfillment in guiding her daughter towards becoming the best version of herself.