The Right Age to Have a Baby

Carla Lehrer

Mom to Avi, 3; Aliza, 1; pregnant with third child

I met my husband, Amir, on the first day of college, and we got married in my sophomore year. By second semester, I was pregnant with Avi. I've always wanted lots of kids and saw no reason to wait -- I come from a family of five children and want at least five of my own.

I took a year off and went back to school when Avi was 10 months old. It was tough being a mom and a college student: I'd leave him with a babysitter during the day, rush home for dinner, then Amir would take over while I went back for my evening art classes. I'd do my homework in the middle of the night. By graduation I was pregnant with Aliza.

Being a young mom means that it's hard not to be selfish about my time. I used to sleep in, read, or watch TV whenever I wanted and go out with friends any night I pleased. All these freedoms go away when you're a parent.

Bouncing back after pregnancies is easier when you're younger. I've gotten down to my starting weight after each one. Two weeks after I had Aliza I was in a bridesmaid dress.

I'm happy that my kids have young grandparents -- they're all in their 50s -- and seven great-grandparents. I'm always calling my mom and mother-in-law for advice, and I also go to Facebook, where I started my own young moms group called Mommy and Me.