Doctors suggest that becoming a mother after the age of 40 carries a high danger. Giving birth after the age of 40 can result in a greater likelihood of the infant having Down syndrome. Michele Elizaga is a single-by-choice mother who opted to conceive after the age of 40, and despite the challenges she has faced, she believes that her son Matthew is a gift from the universe.
Michele’s 40th birthday was a watershed moment in her life.
Michele’s decision to become a single mother happened in the blink of an eye. She suspected something monumental was about to happen the year she turned 40. But she never considered having a child because she was still focused on meeting someone because she had never married and had been unmarried for a long time. Michele was blindsided by the suggestion, which came from a friend, and she has been enamoured with the prospect of becoming a mother ever since.
The journey to motherhood began with a test.
Michele had a lot of doubts about how she would become a mother when she made the decision. But she persisted, and soon she had a successful first IUI (intrauterine insemination), despite the fact that the chances were stacked against her. But it turned out to be a quick and painless process that took less than 10 minutes, and she was sent home with a date to test for pregnancy at home.
Michele was soon cuddling her newborn son, Matthew, with joy. She gave birth to her son 5 hours after having an emergency C-section while under deep anaesthesia. Michele was happy to learn that Matthew had Down syndrome after doctors confirmed it. Matthew chose to be her kid for a reason, she believes, and he deserves to have the finest mother possible.
The woman was concerned about her parents’ reaction to her pregnancy.
Michele’s parents were the first people she wanted to tell when she found out she was expecting. They had no idea what she was trying to do, so this was going to be a difficult topic for her, and she was nervous about their reaction.
They were taken aback at first, but as they got acclimated to the idea of their daughter becoming a single mother on her own terms, they were delighted for her. Michele then felt secure enough to notify her sisters and then her best friends and she made numerous phone calls to inform them of the news.
Michele’s father, who was her strongest supporter, passed away lately. He adored Matthew and was his strongest supporter.
Michele remains active despite the challenges of being a single mother.
Matthew is about five months old now. After only a month at home with him, his mother had to return to work full-time. She admits, though, that she’s never been more physically, psychologically, or emotionally weary, while also feeling more empowered and entire.
Michele enjoys hiking but hasn’t been able to do it nearly as much since Matthew was born. But she’s gently reintegrating it into her life, and she even acquired a hiking carrier for Matthew so he can accompany her on the trails.
When Matthew is a little older and Michele has more “bestie dates” with her friends, she wants to try a paddleboard activity. The mother receives a lot of aid from her younger sister, which allows her to keep busy all of the time.
Michele has a message for all ladies.
Michele has developed her own concept of happiness as a result of her experiences as a single mother. Her guidelines are to follow her heart, live life without regret, and be in relationships where she is truly appreciated and seen.
As a single parent, she bears all financial responsibilities and major decisions, yet she’s never ashamed to ask for help with Matthew. She enjoys writing and frequently shares her work on Instagram, which she finds therapeutic. When she’s faced with a major decision, she also seeks advice from other mothers.
Would you consider choosing to be a single parent? What aspects of being a single parent would you find the most challenging?
Preview photo credit micheleelizaga / Instagram, micheleelizaga / Instagram
