The female may, from early in life, be attached to the concept of an ideal partner. She socialises and seeks same, but does not see anyone who fits the bill. For Mandeville-based counselling psychologist, Avril Le Vel James, this is just one of the many reasons why women in Jamaica might have children late.

For females, early motherhood is defined as occurring before age 19. On-time motherhood occurs between 19-24. Late motherhood occurs when children are born after age 25.

Our counsellor notes that early mothers are more likely to be single and have lower incomes. Late mothers have more education, higher economic status and are more likely to be married than women who have children before age 19.

The general reason why women delay having children are listed by counsellor James as follows:

Lack of suitable partner

Instead of settling for second best, the female holds on with the hope that the ideal partner will come along. Suitability relates to financial stability, sobriety and educational compatibility. Some women may also want a single male who has no children and who is not a mummy's boy. They may also desire a father who is a Christian.

Educational aspirations

Women are professionally hungry not just for the traditional professions of teaching or nursing which require studying for short periods. They enter such uncharted territories of engineering and specialisations in medicine, which take much longer to qualify for. Child bearing is seen as hindrance to educational progress.

No extended family support

The option is not there for grandma to rear her children while she pursues her educational goals. Lack of this kind of support leads to delaying motherhood.

Scientific progress

With the evolution of science women are assured that they are no longer pressured to have the kids between 19 and 24. They can be medically assisted to have a healthy child almost at any age.

Money/responsibility

Some women fear the financial pressures of motherhood. The female may delay motherhood because she observes that many Jamaican men have low incomes. She says, "I will make sure that even if he walks off, I will be able to look after my child." She has no intention to take any man to the Family Court for support.

The average professional woman no longer expects a man to look after her and child. Because of the dynamics of economic decline she also feels responsible for sending the child to best schools and Disneyland. So, she delays motherhood as she prepares for the challenge.

Professional mobility

Women perceive that independence goes hand in hand with Ivy League professions. They put aside early motherhood, heading for the outer boundaries of achievement. They believe having a 'name brand' profession will also make them more attractive to the ideal man for whom they are searching.

Religious beliefs

Christian women in traditional denominations do not believe in being unequally yoked. However, in the church, there are many more females than males. Such a believer will not have a child out of a Christian marriage. This aspect of life is put on hold until a partner is sent from above.

Health complications/ fertility issues

Some women have complications, such as endometriosis, which prevent early pregnancy. Only as they get older are they able to afford the very expensive interventions to make motherhood a reality, such as fertility assistance.

Lack of a plan for motherhood

Some women were never interested in having children as younger women because of problems observed in their own family, or that of friends or because of responsibility issues.

However, with emotional and psychological changes, as they get older that outlook changes. Some also have the concept that children will offer support as they age. Women's psychological well-being is tied to having someone who loves them as they get older.

Next week: The consequences of delayed motherhood. Information provided by Counselling psychologist Avril Le Vel-James