First-time mom at 50: Woman welcomes baby after 10 years of trying

A North Carolina mom is proof that determination pays off.

Susie Troxler, 50, and her husband, Tony Troxler, 61, became first-time parents on Sept. 29. The couple’s daughter, Lily Troxler, was born weighing 5 pounds, 12 ounces, according to WFMY News 2.

“We got married later in life, obviously, and we just assumed we would get pregnant like most people,” Susie Troxler told the news outlet. “One year turned into two, then three, but when it got to be nine, 10, 11 years, we were like, something is up, and I’m not sure what it is.”

Susie Troxler learned she had endometriosis, a condition in which tissue similar to what usually lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of it, the Today Show reported. She also had other health concerns.

“I had a boatload of uterine fibroids. I was too old, and Tony had some medical issues, so, between the two of us, there was not going to be a baby,” Susie Troxler told WFMY.

ABC News reported Susie Troxler had surgery to remove the fibroids. However, the Troxlers were told they still would be unable to conceive due to their ages and health conditions on Tony Troxler’s side.

After being unable to produce a viable embryo through several rounds of in vitro fertilization, they turned to egg donation. It didn’t work in 2019, and the coronavirus pandemic put plans on hold in 2020. Then, Susie Troxler became pregnant in 2021 after using the couple’s last viable embryo.

“It was amazing and surreal,” Tony Troxler said.

Susie Troxler delivered their baby during a planned cesarian section.

“I’m of the belief that kids come when they’re supposed to come, regardless of the age of the parents,” she said. “We look at it as this is exactly how it was meant to be. She’s our miracle baby.”

While the Troxler’s had a healthy baby girl, there are risks associated with becoming pregnant over 35. According to the Mayo Clinic, there’s a greater likelihood of developing gestational diabetes, high blood pressure in pregnancy and premature birth. There’s also a greater risk of chromosome abnormalities and loss of pregnancy.

Older adults considering pregnancy should talk to their doctor about a health care plan.

To get specialized news and articles about aging in place, health information and more, sign up for our Aging in Atlanta newsletter.