Married at 35, First Baby at 36 + Wanting More Kids: Age, Fertility & This Season of My Life - Almost 30 Recap
Podcast: Almost 30
Published: 2026-03-17
Duration: 43 min
Summary
Lindsay Simpsic reflects on her unexpected life timeline, having married at 35 and had her first child at 36. She shares insights on fertility, the pressure of societal timelines, and how she is preparing for more children as she approaches her 40s.
What Happened
Lindsay Simpsic candidly discusses her journey of getting married at 35 and having her first child at 36, which was not the timeline she envisioned for herself. She reflects on societal pressures and expectations regarding marriage and children, emphasizing the importance of trusting one's personal journey and timeline. Lindsay shares her belief in a greater plan for her life that surpasses her own expectations, and how this perspective helps her cope with the anxiety of potentially having more children as she nears 40.
She opens up about the challenges and joys of motherhood, and how her lifestyle and self-care practices have evolved since her 20s. Emphasizing a healthier lifestyle now, she discusses how she feels more physically and mentally prepared for parenting than she would have been in her younger years. Lindsay also addresses the insecurities that come with aging, such as physical changes and societal pressures, but remains optimistic about her future.
Lindsay highlights the importance of stress management and maintaining healthy relationships as part of her preparation for adding to her family. She passionately discusses the significance of being intentional about her health, relationships, and mental well-being, understanding that these factors contribute to a conducive environment for raising children.
The episode also touches on the statistics and realities of fertility in later years, offering a balanced view on biological constraints and the emotional aspects of family planning. Lindsay shares her trust in the intelligence of her body and the belief that she will have more children if it is meant to be.
Finally, Lindsay speaks to the shift in priorities that parenthood brings, advocating for a more nuanced approach to career and family planning. She suggests that foundational security, rather than career milestones, should guide decisions about starting a family.
Throughout the episode, Lindsay offers encouragement to those feeling anxious about their life timelines, urging them to embrace the unpredictability of life and to trust in their unique paths. She concludes by inviting listeners to engage with her thoughts on social media and through her Substack, Momplex.
Key Insights
- Women who have their first child at age 35 or older are considered to be of advanced maternal age, which can bring increased medical monitoring but also a wealth of life experience and preparedness for parenting.
- Fertility rates decline with age, with women over 35 experiencing a significant decrease in fertility, but many still successfully conceive naturally or with assisted reproductive technologies.
- Stress management and maintaining healthy relationships are linked to improved fertility outcomes, highlighting the importance of a supportive environment for those planning to expand their families.
- A shift in priorities often accompanies parenthood, with many individuals choosing to focus on foundational security and well-being over career milestones when planning for a family.