I had my first kid at 45. I'm financially stable and have years of life experience to guide me.

The author (not pictured) had her first child at 45.

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• I took my time deciding if I wanted to have kids — and had my first child at 45.
• I was financially stable and had time to travel, but I had less energy than younger moms.
• There are both pros and cons to being an older parent.

When I had my first child at 45, I thought I was ready.

I had financial stability, a solid career, and years of life experience to guide me. I'd traveled the world...