They are the new face of Australian motherhood - women over 35 who are having their first baby. But what makes a woman defy the biological clock and wait until she is in her mid-thirties or early forties to have a baby?

In Late Babies, journalist Sandra McLean gets the inside story on the trend to older motherhood that is changing the face of Australian society. These are life-changing stories from inspiring women such as magazine editor Deborah Thomas, journalist Juanita Phillips, manager Marian Hudson and fashion columnist Maggie Alderson. They share their experience of older motherhood, from the profound joy of a 'miracle' pregnancy after miscarriages and failed fertility treatments, to the emotional roller-coaster ride of IVF and the search for satisfaction once the baby is born. Their stories take us beyond the media myth of the superwoman who simply wants to 'have it all' - career, partner and family. Their experiences show us that the reality is very different and the journey to having that much-loved late baby is a lot like life itself - full of unexpected pleasure and pain. But worth every minute.