So, get this: one woman’s TikTok went super viral after she spilled the beans on some not-so-nice comments thrown her way as a mom over 40.
In a TikTok video, Patti Avery Schmidt laid bare the comments she’s had to endure, from “Lucky she’s healthy!” to “When she’s 15, you’ll be 60.” Yep, people have actually said that!
Other gems include, “How do you have so much energy?” and “Oh, you did IVF?” and “You’re better than me!”
Loads of moms connected with the vid, set to Alexis Jordan’s “Happiness”. Stories poured in. One mom shared, “My mom had me at 38, we’re super close. She’s been such a rock for me.” Heartwarming, right?
One lady dropped, “I had twins at 47! Easy peasy. Healthy babies, full term.” Boom! Power to the older mommas!
There were instances where people mistook her grandkids for her own kiddos. Talk about raising eyebrows!
One sweet soul called her “beautiful” and shared how her 89-year-old aunt birthed a kid at 50 – now a strapping 39-year-old lad. Time flies, huh?
Interestingly, more American women are becoming moms later in life. According to the CDC, birth rates for women aged 40-44 have tripled since 1990.
And check this out: Census Data shows that 3% of births in the early 2010s were to women aged 40-44.
Despite all the comments, Schmidt’s cool with it. She says, “Humor always wins.” She’s even become a beacon of support for older and soon-to-be older moms looking for advice.