Getting married and having babies late has become a major trend among Koreans. According to statistics of the National Health Insurance Corporation, the number of women over 36 who gave birth increased by 26 percent between 2002 and 2006. Of course, older expecting mothers worry about many things such as miscarriage, the health and mental ability of their babies and baby-mother attachment problems. But several experts and mothers who gave birth late told the Chosun Ilbo there is little more to worry about than good health.

Chung Ji-haeng, a doctor of Oriental medicine who had her first child at 39, says, "Babies whose mothers live a stable life in late 30s are smart and healthy." Prof. Nah Kwi-ok at the Department of Early Childhood Education of Soonchunhyang University agrees. "If a mother raises her child carefully considering his or her character, there is no problem." Prof. Nah had her own first daughter at 45 and has written of a book about raising children from her own experience.

◆ Tips for Older Fathers

Dr. Chung Jin-hoon at Cheil General Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center says, "Planned pregnancy will clear all concerns that older parents-to-be might have." Medical checkups and preparations for pregnancy help those couples to have healthy and smart babies. Since people are likely to develop chronic diseases as they get older, older couples who want a baby should get a medical checkup and treatment for diseases like diabetes and hypertension before having a baby. "Although women's overall health has improved, technically, the chances of having a baby with chromosome disorder or deformation are surging for women over 35,"

Dr. Chung Jin-hoon advises. "Women who want to have a baby at a late age should take folic acid supplements at least three months ahead of the pregnancy." Dr. Chung Ji-haeng strongly recommends that fathers who want to have a baby should exercise and change bad habits since healthy sperm makes a healthy baby. Greasy food, alcohol, caffeine and cigarette are bad for sperm. Brown rice, brightly colored vegetables and seaweeds are good for making healthy sperm. At least 30 minutes of exercise a day is recommended. Swimming is the best choice, while sweating at sauna is the worst since sperm does not like heat. Wearing boxer shorts and cotton pants is also good for making sperm healthy.

◆ Tips for Older Mothers

Experts say a mother's health is more important than the age when it comes to having a healthy baby. Older expecting mothers should have three meals a day and sleep for seven to eight hours a day. They should refrain from bad habits such as wearing tight underwear, exposing the belly by wearing mini skirts or half-shirts, drinking, smoking and using disposable products.

A healthy diet is imperative. Older women need to watch their weight since it is easy to put on the pounds during pregnancy. Reduce the intake of carbohydrates and greasy food and eat food with minerals, vitamins and proteins. Prof. Nah said, "In my case, I had more vegetables than usual. I ate nuts such as walnuts and pine nuts and a slice of cheese every day."

Older mothers need extra cares after giving birth. They tend to swell more than young mothers, and taking Oriental restorative medicine is recommended. "Taking Oriental restorative medicine made of various plants and roots will help older mothers to recover faster," says Dr. Chung Ji-haeng.

◆ Childrearing Tips

When it comes to rearing a child born to an older couple, Prof. Nah said, "It is important to touch your baby as often as you can. This is a method referred to as Kangaroo care." Skin-to-skin contact has positive effects on babies. It helps to stimulate brain cell development and decrease the production of stress hormone cortisol. Infants given sufficient baby massages have improved immunity and healthier digestion. Prof. Nah said she is rearing her daughter with patience and soft discipline. "An oppressive attitude is bad. Especially with sensitive children, parents should wait patiently for their reactions and respond to them. It is better to explain why they should do something than order them to do it. Asking children's opinion and agreement will improve their ability to control themselves."

It is easy for an only child to an older mother to become spoiled. "The mother's excessive desire can cause emotional disorder in the child and make the child dependent," says Prof. Nah. This is why a father’s role is important. "A father can strike a balance in rearing a child. It is also a father’s role to make his wife comfortable by helping her with childrearing. Be patient. Children develop as they grow up."