Oh my gosh! I had two newborn grandchildren to raise at 47, on prednisone and going through menopause. It's a big chore and I don't see why anyone would want to do it at 66. My girls are 14 and 16 now, so I've just about got them raised. Raising my first four was a heck of a lot less tiring when they were little.

My parents had me (opps!) at 40, Mom died at 63, having seen 1 out 0f 7 grandkids. Dad got Dementia when they were 9, died at 86 when they were barely 12. I was 36 (Fertility problems) when I had them. but enthusiastic enough to be a co-runner of girl scouts, run Science night,do organized sports, have fun, do stuff, have great kid parties, do zoos, activities, etc, but I thought I was an Old Motha. When they were 10, MS was DXed. At their 16 I went in a chair, they help me now. At the rate I'm going, doubt I'll hold a grandchild unless sitting and supervised. Will never babysit alone.
Parents can die on you or become incapacitated at any age, but chance rise as we age. At 66, when college comes, will she have enough money for education and retirement? Ever see grandkids?

I think it's been pretty unfair to the child. I know that she really wants a child but someone pointed out on the news that when the child is 14 (my age), their mother will be 80 - old enough to be there great grandmother!!!

I think if I was the child, i'd be a bit embarrassed going to school and telling all of the other kids that my mum was 80 years old and i'm sure the poor child would have someone be nasty to them about it unfortunately as people can be really cruel sometimes.

I don't think it would be really fair on the teen to take care of their 80 year old mother at such a 'young' age.Most teens like going out with their friends and having fun and it's lot to expect for a 14 year old to look after someone that age and you don't know how ill she will be by then!!!

I haven't heard the whole story as to whether the women had any problems having children when they were younger but I think it's a bit unfair to have a child at that age AND there are lots of complications that could happen!!

Just my 2 cents worth. Hopefully the women will be a great mum and the child will have a very happy childhood!

I think it depends on the woman. I have alot of old lady friends and I must say, some are on the ball, on the go, on the move, and can put me to shame. Others show their age quickly, and health problems follow them like breadcrumbs out of the forrest.

I have several older than 85 year old friends that are constantly on the go to casino's and beach vacations, and are presidents of the Ladies society, and womens clubs, and historical societies around town. OUr librarian is 87 and works full time! She sprints up and down those steps to seek out whatever book might bring fancy to your reading. So, I think it depends on the person.

If she is in good health, can afford it, without asking welfare to raise the child and herself, and is capable of doing what needs to be done, have at it. If on the other hand, she is bored, broke, and just looking to fill in a hole from many losses in her life with a child on board...pick up knitting.

My father was in his late forties when I was born, and did a crappy job. he was interested in making money. mom was a child bride and 17 when preggers with her first. (i was the last) and she was so young, and inexperienced that she missed out on learning her own lessons before trying to teach them to children. Maybe my own screwed up upbringing twists my view.

No.... I think you have some good points.

I think best case scenario - active, healthy, go-go-go mom of that age and the best behaved, healthiest, most loving devoted kid she could have - and this lady is still gonna have a run for her money. And the kid is still gonna have some trials, too.

Ali - glad you chimed in on this. It's not ALL about the mother.

My mom was 39 when I was born, my dad 42 (I was born on his birthday)..Some things were more difficult for all of us, I suppose, but I always felt loved and cared for, so no complaints here. They were also an emergency foster care home for babies and toddlers up until my dad died at 72, with police often bringing little ones over in the middle of the night (sometimes more than one), and they did a great job. I was 21 when my daughter was born, nearly 31 when I had my son. I was much more prepared for parenthood at 31, it was a lot easier. Now, I wouldn't want to go thru it at 66, even if I was healthy, but if this woman has spent her life up to now doing her own thing, maybe she's better prepared now than she would've been at a younger age..? I just hope it works out well for both of them..

I sawa tv show, a totally paralyzed woman wanted a child, had one, could not move any at all. She had a husband, a home,enough money to hire full time nanny, she loved that baby, it'd be brought to her, it'd, she'd smile lovingly on it. But who will the child interact with when Dad's not home?
The nanny but will she be staying 20 or so years? I think I love my kids too much to have ever done that from the start. MS at 46 was bad enough.

I understand the desire to have a child.....but I believe in that situation it was a very selfish decision. I saw that show, too, and while I empathize with the woman's situation her own health problems could have jeopardized the health of the baby before it was ever born.

I heard on the news today that the 66 year old women has given birth to a healthy baby boy.

The mother said that she didn't want any publicity though so there isn't that much info.

Here is a link to an article about it:

http://news.uk.msn.com/uk/article.as...ntid=147621821

congrats to the new mom. The article said she is a business woman, so that means she isnt retired, nor is she a welfare mom. She went abroad for invetro, so she has some money one would assume. She is dodging the media, so she isnt interested in her child becoming a side show like octomom (dont get me started) and she has prepared in advance with child seats, and so forth in her own car. From the few things I have read, I dont see too many red flags other than simply her age. I wish her all the luck in the world. Babies are hard at any age.