SINGAPORE – When 53-year-old Suan Bailey steps out with her vibrant 10-month-old son, she’s often confronted with a familiar question: “Is he your grandson?” But rather than letting such remarks upset her, Suan proudly embraces her journey into motherhood, which began later in life than most.

“It was a long and arduous journey,” she recounted in an interview. “Now, I wear that question like a badge of honor. He is my son, and I am proud of every step I took to bring him into this world.”

Changing Perceptions of Maternal Age

Suan's journey is testament to a significant shift in society’s perception of maternal age. Recent statistics reveal that in 2023 alone, 19 women aged 50 and above gave birth in Singapore—a stark contrast to the mere six women recorded between 1989 and 2009. The changing norms surrounding motherhood have sparked conversations about age, fertility, and parental aspirations.

The Journey Begins

Suan married engineer Stephen Bailey, 63, in 2010 and always harbored a dream of motherhood. However, the natural route proved elusive. At 42, she took the bold step of pursuing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, only to face the discouraging odds of just a 35% chance of pregnancy coupled with a high risk of miscarriage—especially significant, given her age.

"Initially, I felt defeated," Suan admitted. "My late mother disapproved of IVF, which made me reconsider my options." However, a transformative visit to her brother in the U.S. rekindled her desire for a child after experiencing joy with his twin daughters, born through IVF.

Determination and Research

Determined to explore her options, Suan discovered limited information online about IVF for women over 45 but stumbled upon a vital contact—an obstetrician in Bangkok known for his success with older patients. Her journey became a whirlwind of determination as she followed a rigorous preconception health regimen, including hormone treatments and medical preparations, requiring multiple trips to Thailand.

The Rollercoaster of Hope

However, the road to motherhood wasn’t straightforward. After a failed first attempt, hope seemed dim, yet Suan and Stephen were resolved to try again. Miraculously, the second embryo successfully implanted, bringing them immense joy amid apprehension for the future.

With a budget close to $50,000 for the entire process, Suan also connected with a local gynecologist specialized in older expectant mothers for continued care during her pregnancy. Despite facing high blood pressure and glucose levels, her husband’s unwavering support helped her navigate the challenges.

Support and Challenges

“My husband was vital during this journey,” Suan reflected. “He ensured I was healthy, well-fed, and emotionally supported.”

A Dramatic Delivery

As her pregnancy progressed, a looming threat of pre-eclampsia prompted early intervention. The situation escalated in her 35th week when she struggled to breathe and rushed to the hospital for an emergency cesarean section. Their son, Remy, born at 36 weeks, initially needed care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) due to underdeveloped lungs, but after six days, he emerged healthy and thriving.

Embracing Motherhood

Today, Suan Bailey’s life is filled with the joys and challenges of motherhood at an age that many deem unconventional. As she watches Remy explore the world around him, she reflects on her unyielding determination and the societal shift toward accepting motherhood at any age.

“It’s never too late to follow your dreams,” she shared, her eyes lighting up at the thought of her son. “Every moment I’ve spent waiting for him was worth it.

A Journey Beyond Age