Never too old for newborn joy

Eloise Geldenhuys and Mia. Photo / Michael Craig

When Eloise Geldenhuys fell pregnant two weeks before her 40th birthday, she blushed with embarrassment.

Eloise was already considered an "old mother" after giving birth to her son Matthew and daughter Lucy at the ages of 29 and 37 respectively.

"I thought, 'Oh my goodness, pregnant at 40, how embarrassing'," said Eloise, of West Harbour.

"Forty is pretty old to be having babies."

She was concerned about health complications because she and husband Pey Geldenhuys, 42, were still grieving the loss of two babies. In 2007, their newborn son Jake died of a heart condition. Then Eloise had a miscarriage last year.

"It was quite hard so we decided not to try again but, then, surprise."

She said the pregnancy didn't get off to a good start. She had severe morning sickness and a diabetes scare. Then, her midwife recommended she be induced at 40 weeks' to reduce the risk of a still birth.

"Having lost a child already, I was not prepared to take any chances, so inducing me was no problem whatsoever."

Twelve weeks ago she gave birth to a girl, Mia. But it was not without complications.

Mia's umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck and her breathing rate dropped to a dangerous level.

Despite complications, Eloise did not blame her age. And she said she's no longer embarrassed to be an older mum.