Patience, resilience and joy: The growing story of women becoming mothers after 40

When Janet Jackson announced that she had given birth to her first child at 52 in 2017, the world paused. Some were shocked, some inspired.

In 2023, Safina Namukwaya gave birth to twins at the age of 70 at Mulago Hospital. For some, her story became a powerful reminder that motherhood does not always follow a fixed timeline.

Today, more women are becoming mothers in their 40s and even later due to balancing careers, personal growth, and sometimes long journeys through fertility challenges. As Mother's Day approaches, they share stories of patience, choice, resilience, and joy.

Path to motherhood

In the past, women were expected to have children as early as 14 years, especially those who never had a chance to go to school. It is quite different today, as many women are focusing on education, building careers, or waiting for the right partner before starting a family.

"I wanted to be financially stable first," says Rehema Namutebi, a 40-year-old doctor in Kampala who had her first child last year. "I spent years studying and building my career. By the time I was ready to have a child, I was already in my late 30s, and I have no regrets."

Fertility challenges

However, the journey is not always easy. When infertility is involved, it becomes emotionally draining. It is one of the reasons some women enter motherhood after midlife.

Dr. Musa Nsubuga, a gynecologist, explains that many women face challenges conceiving due to changes in their bodies caused by incorrect choices of family planning methods and miscarriages. He however says that many fertility issues can be resolved medically.

"The presence of fertility challenges is causing women to give birth at a later age. For most, it still feels like a new chapter, not a delayed one. With persistence, strength, and several medical interventions like IVF, much is possible," he says.

Dr. Musa urged that while late motherhood is possible, it requires careful planning and medical guidance, regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and early consultation with fertility specialists, to improve chances of becoming a mother and having a safe pregnancy.

For some women, the road to motherhood includes years of trying, emotional stress, and fertility issues.

"I had four miscarriages, which caused stress, and I lost hope then," says Stella Asiimwe, who became a mother at 43 after a decade of trying.

"In the struggle of looking for a child, after my doctor told me that my uterus could not carry any pregnancy because of too much heat that couldn't let a child grow, I had to undergo medication for so many years," she explains.

She says several people kept pressing her for a baby, claiming she was getting too old. "I could not explain to them, but holding my baby now is well worth all that I endured."

Career women

Some women spend years building their professions before stepping into motherhood.

"I have already achieved most of my career goals," says Ritah Nampijja, a 41-year-old entrepreneur. "I now focus on my child without feeling like I missed out on anything."

Late motherhood has its advantages. Older mothers often have more financial stability, emotional maturity, and life experience.

Despite the challenges, many late mothers say the experience is deeply fulfilling.

"There is a sense of gratitude that comes from waiting. When you have waited for something for so long, you value it differently. Every moment feels special," Stella Asiimwe added.

As we celebrate Mother's Day this Sunday, May 10, 2026, Janet Jackson's story may have made headlines, but there are countless women living similar experiences. After all, "It is never too late" now makes more sense.