Cameron Houston
The Age

TINA BASTOW put off motherhood until she was 38 because of her desire to travel overseas and problems meeting the right bloke.

She represents a new generation of Australians who stay in the family home longer, marry later and defer children until their late 30s.

Last year, 25,807 children were born to Victorian women aged 35 or older, while the median age has increased from 29.9 to 31.7 years over the past decade.

“I did a lot of travelling in my early days and didn’t meet my husband until I was 35,” Ms Bastow said.

“The hardest part is finding that mate to share the experience with.”

Despite medical warnings about the increased risks associated with having children later in life, Ms Bastow had no problems conceiving.

“I was a bit concerned about the age thing, but as soon as we decided to try it happened within four months,” she said.

“I think society is far more comfortable with it these days.”

Yesterday at 6.11am, Ms Bastow gave birth to 2.66 kilogram Archer Robert Bastow and is already contemplating a second child.

“I did it au naturel, no drugs at all, and it was an amazing experience. We always said we would have two or three kids, but we’ll have to see.”

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