Having Children & Health
September 11, 2006 by kate baggott
Filed under Health
There is only one thing worse than having children for a mother’s health.
Not having them at all.
Actually, it is a little more complicated than that.
According to a study released early this morning by the UK’s Economic Social & Research Council, as childless women age they have a 20% greater risk of death compared to women with two children. Also at greater risk were women who were teenage mothers, women with children fewer than 18 months apart and women who had given birth to 5 or more children.
Women who give birth after the age of 40, however, appear to have better health and live longer than younger mothers.
Obviously, social conditions prior to motherhood play a huge role in these outcomes. Teen mothers often come from impoverished backgrounds and experience the nutritional shortfalls that might entail. Women who delay childrearing, on the other hand, often do so for economic reasons and have the money to take care of themselves and their health.
In between, the rest of us are constantly struggling to have the strength and energy to take care of the little ones. It seems to me that some days that struggle depletes everything I have. Other days, it completely and absolutely invigorates me.
I wish I could say what it is about the good days that makes them so, but I know decent meals and cuddles play a role. What makes for a good motherhood day for you?
As my little one just puked on my leg what makes a good motherhood day is being able to incorporate my needs and desires separate from being a mother into the day. Like, getting some reading in, or going on an errand alone. I find that if I neglect myself then I’m not a great mother. If those parts of myself are not fullfilled then that part of myself will not be fullfilling. Mothering by itself does not validate us all and that’s completely ok.
I am a mother no matter what else I do with my day. It colours how I write, teach, work and think. I think it’s rather unpopular to suggest that I am no less a mother when I am doing those things instead of being at home. I think it’s more dangerous for mothers not to be out in the world where their long-term thinking can have an impact on society. So yes, I agree, refusimg to meglect yourself is essential.
Hi Kate,
As you so notably put in your comment to Why Being A Parent Is A Good Thing, (thanks for coming!) the key is getting off the pity potty and I’ll add – remembering to flush. *wink*
I could probably write volumes on this topic because I was childless for many years due to infertility. You always want what you can’t have and the grass is always greener on the other side. As an adoptive mom I’ve come to view so many things differently that I would have if I hadn’t experienced infertility. It’s made me a stronger and better mother. I laugh and take pictures instead of screaming or being mad and that I’ve found, is a critical difference in what makes a good day for a mom because the opportunities for it are endless!! LOL
Hugs,
Holly
A “successful” day for me is if I’ve been able to snuggle with each kid for a little bit by themselves. It doesn’t have to be long, just individual. Sadly, it doesn’t happen every day. I know I yell less in a day if I’ve had a good night’s sleep!!!
Sleep and cuddles make my day.