WATCH: B.C. women waiting longer to have babies

The average age of new mothers in B.C. is 31.

That age has never been higher, and doctors say having babies at that age has its own set of challenges.

According to Statistics Canada, women are waiting longer to have children.

Stats Canada says trends also show women are having fewer babies, on average, one child.

32-year-old Helina Patience is a new mom and her 4-week-old son Oliver is a dream come true.

For years, she’s planned on having a family but wound up putting it off.

One reason women are waiting to have a family is housing affordability.

Helina agrees that’s a concern, and it’s one she sees in her clients.

She runs a parent support business called Octopus Village.

“They’re waiting until they have money to get a bigger place and more room for family to grow,” says Patience.

Deciding when to have a child is an extremely personal decision but Dr. K.S. Joseph warns waiting does have its setbacks.

“Although there are now modern medical advances helping with infertility issues, nevertheless it’s a consideration,” says Joseph.

– with files from Jennifer Palma