As Cherie Blair becomes a mum again at 45, MAXINE GORDON speaks to three York women about their experiences of having children in their 40s.

Nappy changing and broken nights are two chores Cherie and Tony Blair are getting used to again now their fourth child, Leo, has arrived.

Having a baby again in their mid-40s has caused quite a stir, opening the age-old debate on what is the best time of our lives to have children.

Despite the fact more women are having children in their 30s because they are establishing their careers first, eyes are still raised when women give birth over the age of 40.

There are extra risks to mother and baby at that age. Other concerns are that the generation gap might be too large to bridge; that mum and dad will be mistaken for grandparents, or simply too old and unfit to play with their child.

Many older parents will have asked themselves these questions and more - but are likely to draw one simple conclusion: it's worth it.

That's certainly the verdict of three York mums we interviewed to coincide with the arrival of baby Blair.

Here are their stories:

Vicky Gilbert of Stockton-on-the-Forest was 45 when she and husband Peter had their first child, Guy, eight years ago.

Vicky says: "It's made a dramatic change to our lives. Prior to having a child, I was always able to plan and control everything I did. Then this child comes into your life, and suddenly he's the one that's in control! I don't mean that in a nasty way, but I did find it hard at first.

"We can't do the things some of our middle-aged friends are doing, but we're quite happy about that. We both absolutely love Guy, he's a great gift.

"On the one hand, it does keep you younger, I feel I dress younger. However, I've got arthritis, although that can happen at any age.

"I took Guy to the Harrogate Flower Show and someone asked him if he wanted to buy granny some flowers. People assume he's my grandson. When I first had him and was pushing him around in his pram, I made it quite clear to everyone that I'm his mum. Now if people make the mistake, I laugh it off. I've got used to it.

"My only advice to women considering having babies in their 40s is not to listen to stories and to take advice from your consultant, because they know best. Their first interest is the safe delivery of a healthy child.

"The second thing is, when the baby is born you have got to expect your standards and your life to change. If I knew then what I know now, I'd have worried about half as much as I did. I think that's one advantage of being a younger mother... you don't worry so much."

Val Smithson, from York, was 44 when her daughter Katie, now four, was born. Val has two other children Gavin, 24, and Nicola, 25, with husband David. The couple divorced, then re-married, having Katie five years later. Nicola has two children: Amy, three, and Daniel 13 months, with another on the way.

Val says: "I was shocked when I realised I was pregnant - I thought I was going through the menopause. But we thought it was brilliant. David and I divorced for nine years and got back together in 1991.

"Our son Gavin still lives at home and he's like a big kid with Katie. He always wanted a younger sister. Nicola has two of her own and she looks after Katie when I'm at work. They all play together.

"There has been a lot of confusion and a lot of people think Katie is Nicola's daughter! I don't mind. I know she's mine and she knows I'm her mum.

"I don't worry about the age difference too much. I'm fit and can do as much as a 20-year-old can do.

"It does keep you young. You're always active and you have to do activities when they want to do them.

"I'd tell people to go for it, if they want a child. You turn into a big kid. You get tired, but it's a lot of fun.

"I also think you know more when you're older. I was very nave when I was young. Now, if Katie's having a tantrum, I can walk away from it. You're more aware of how to cope with things.

"Katie has brought us a lot of joy. I can go to places I'd never go anymore, like the swings at the park or making sandcastles on the beach."

Lena Addinall and husband Joe, of York, had their only child Sue 30 years ago when they were in their mid-40s.

Lena says: "I had Sue two weeks before my 47th birthday. I'd been working at Rowntrees since I was 14. I never thought I'd have a child and it was a shock - but I loved it. It changed my life forever.

"You think what you never have, you never miss, but I would not want to be without her. She's my best friend; she's my life. And it goes both ways. She's just lovely.

"She plays darts a lot and asks me to go with her. She's always inviting me out. And she only lives five minutes away in the car.

"I see her Thursday night, Saturday morning and Sunday night and we ring each other every other Tuesday. If she has any problems, she rings me. We share everything. She looks to me as her mainstay. She has a lot of friends too, but she always asks me to go out. The only thing I don't do is go to the disco!

"I had been a widow for 16 years when I married Joe. We had Sue in the first year. I didn't think it was possible to get pregnant at my age. The doctor said it was marvellous and never made any fuss about it.

"Of course, I had worries about having a child at that age, but the doctor said everything was going to be all right.

"People tell me I don't look 76 and she's definitely given me a young outlook on life. I try to stay like that for her sake.

"My only regret is that I wish I was a bit younger now. She thinks I'm going to live until I'm 90. But I wish now I was ten years younger for her sake. She won't always have me.

"But there's no doubt about it: she's the best thing that ever happened to me."