It says 'selfish' on the label
Buy an original FPM tribute shirt
Donations to PSI and Momsbloom
All over the world, the number of older women having children is dramatically on the rise.
The proportion of American women having first-time babies after 35 has increased eight-fold since 1970.
In the UK, the number of babies born to mothers over 40 has doubled in the last decade, while in Italy, 5 in every 100 babies are now born to mothers over forty.
Similar increases are reported in other countries such as Australia and Canada.
In Spain, Maria del Carmen Bousada de Lara was crowned the “world’s oldest mother” in 2006, after giving birth to twins at 66.
Two years later, she was trumped by 70-year-old mother of newborn twins, Omkari Panwar of India.
At the turn of the millennium, they were saying ‘40 is the new 30’, when it came to pregnancy. Now, they say ‘50 is the new 40’.
The average life expectancy for women in many industrialized nations recently hit 80 and is still climbing.
Yet, despite the deepening trend, many over-40 mothers report that there’s a tremendous social stigma associated with being older.
Media publicity about women having babies in their 50s, 60s – and even 70s – has helped fuel public controversy about later life motherhood.
Older mothers are often criticized and labeled as ‘selfish’ and putting their own interests first.
There’s even a new maternal brand of prejudice against older mothers – procreational ageism.
This controversy (and the population of midlife moms) is growing, and no one knows for certain how this story is going to end.
Isn’t it time for the truth about motherhood after 40?
Celebrating Midlife Mother’s Day 2010 is the first initiative ever launched to dispel negative stereotypes of later life motherhood.
Over-40 mothers volunteer their intimate experiences of later-life motherhood in a series of enlightening ‘portrait-stories’, hosted online by Flower Power Mom (FPM) from 19th April to 9th May.
Photographer Scott Lewis donated his talent to the event, creating the first dedicated portrait gallery to witness the inner truth, strength and wisdom of mothers over 40.
Elegant commemorative 'Celebrating Midlife Motherhood' T-shirts—with original designs donated by over-40 mother and graphic designer Joan Lintz-Thompson – will also help raise funds to aid postpartum depression sufferers. Go to store
The complete, groundbreaking volume of portrait-stories for Celebrating Midlife Mother’s Day 2010 – enhanced with over-40 moms 'pearls of wisdom' – will then premiere online at FPM on 9th May 2010.
To read Celebrating Midlife Motherhood 2010 stories, from 19th April to 9th May, go to the FPM Homepage or direct to FPM Blog.
Related Blogs:
FPM Plans First Tribute to Midlife Motherhood
Motherhood after 40 isn't an afterthought, a selfish indulgence or a sin. It's a multiplying fact of life.
We are honored to be later life mothers.
We are grateful to be the pioneers of a new generation of motherhood.
Join us regularly from Monday 9th April 2010 at the FPM blog for our unique stories of motherhood after 40.
Visit us here on Sunday 9th May, Midlife Mother's Day 2010, for the premiere of the 'Celebrating Midlife Motherhood' tribute album.
Original 'Celebrating Motherhood After 40' elegantly styled maternity "bellyshirts" or regular cotton T-shirts for moms, babies and children will be available in the new Flower Power Mom (FPM) Store, launching from 19th April 2010.
FPM women's 100% cotton shirts are trendy and American-made, printed with an environmentally friendly direct-to-garment process.
The perfect Mother's Day, birthday, baby shower or new mom gift, 'Celebrating Motherhood After 40' shirts are delivered gift-wrapped in pink or chocolate tulle and flowered grosgrain ribbon. Go to store
10 % of net profits up to 1st June 2010 will be donated to Postpartum Support International in aid of mothers suffering from postpartum depression.
According to Katherine Stone, PR Chairperson of PSI, and writer of Postpartum Progress:
"Postpartum Support International is very appreciative that Flower Power Mom has chosen to donate 10% of the profits of sales of its t-shirts to our organization.
"Their donation will contribute directly to our ability to provide the best information and resources available on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders to the families who need them."
MomsBloom, a non-profit that provides free in-home support for new mothers, is holding their May 1st "Out Came The Sun" 5K run to raise money for their efforts combating Postpartum Depression. Flower Power Mom is also supporting MomsBloom’s efforts through t-shirt sales. 10% of net profits to 1st June 2010 from shirts sold for the run will be donated to Momsbloom.
"New mothers are much in need of emotional and practical support in caring for their children and themselves" says Sara Binkley-Tow, Director of MomsBloom. "MomsBloom is delighted to support this initiative since positive changes in attitudes towards older mothers could significantly aid and enhance the support process."
Angel La Liberte, Founder
Flower Power Mom
Email: editor@flowerpowermom.com or,
Telephone: 831-246-3879
| News Release: | Moms Speak Out at Midlife Mother's Day Tribute |
| Quotes: | What Over-40 Moms Are Saying |
| Factfile: | The Scoop On Later Life Motherhood |
| Event Page: | Celebrating Midlife Motherhood 2010 |
A nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression, the most common complication of childbirth.
http://www.postpartum.net/
A nonprofit, MomsBloom brings volunteers and families together to provide physical and emotional support to any family with a newborn – free of charge.
http://www.momsbloom.org/
The most widely-read blog in the U.S. on depression & anxiety during pregnancy & postpartum.
http://www.postpartumprogress.typepad.com/
