Madeleine West, best known for her role on the Australian TV show “Neighbours,” has candidly revealed the emotional whirlwind surrounding her surprise seventh pregnancy. At 45, West initially attributed her symptoms to perimenopause, only to discover the reality was drastically different.
“I’ll admit that when two blue lines appeared on the ubiquitous wee-stick, I wondered if maybe this was a menopause symptom no one has discovered yet. Nice try,” West shared with humor and honesty.
Facing Fear and Isolation
Despite feeling elated about her pregnancy, West openly admits to battling intense fear and loneliness. “I’m officially up the duff and a certifiable hot mess: equal parts elated, terrified, and very, very alone,” she confessed.
Surrounded by supportive friends, West nevertheless feels disconnected as her contemporaries navigate menopause, while she is preparing for nappies and sleepless nights once again. “Many [friends] are embarking on that mysterious and frequently ferocious hot-flash-fest that is menopause, while the only change on my horizon is changing nappies.”
Generational Gap and Social Anxiety
West humorously and poignantly reflects on the unique generational divide her situation creates, noting she’ll soon be attending mother’s groups with parents potentially half her age. She expresses concern about being mistaken for a grandmother while pushing a pram.
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“While my eldest children will be studying for their Ps and HSCs, I’ll be back to potty training,” she explained, highlighting the stark contrast between her older children’s lives and her upcoming newborn’s.
Support and Hidden Struggles
Seeking comfort, West reached out to her “sisterhood” and uncovered a deep, often unspoken emotional struggle. Many women confided they had faced similar situations but chose not to proceed, influenced by family expectations, career pressures, financial concerns, and societal judgments.
West describes a shared heartache among these women, who often felt isolated and stigmatized by society’s view of older mothers. She seeks to assure women in similar situations, emphasizing: “You’re not alone.”
Changing Trends in Parenthood
West’s experience aligns with shifting societal patterns highlighted by a 2019 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare study, which reported significant increases in childbirth among women aged 40-49 since 1999.
“There’s so much worthy conversation about menopause now – but not about the fact that while teenage pregnancy is dropping rapidly, women having babies in their 40s is on the rise,” West pointedly observes.
A New Adventure
Despite her fears, West embraces this unexpected new chapter with gratitude. “I’m proud of my body for everything it has overcome, and everything it still manages to do,” she states confidently.
Emphasizing growth and joy over societal expectations, West concludes, “I’m still learning to be a better parent, but I’m definitely a better, softer, more joyful version of myself, living large, laughing loud and loving hard.”
