60-Year-Old Woman Gives Birth To Twins

N.J. Psychologist Says She Wants Women To Feel Empowered To Pursue Goals Despite Age

(CBS/AP)  A 60-year-old New Jersey psychologist gave birth to two boys Tuesday, making her possibly the oldest woman ever to deliver twins in the United States.

Frieda Birnbaum gave birth to "Baby A" at 12:44 p.m. and "Baby B" a minute later by Caesarean section at Hackensack University Medical Center, hospital spokeswoman Nancy Radwin said. The twins each weighed 4 pounds, 11 ounces, she said.

Birnbaum told CBS' The Early Show co-anchor Hannah Storm that age and longevity were not considerations for her. "I didn't know I was that old. And then I'm looking at the media and seeing '60-year-old woman.' I said, 'That's me?' Because I don't know what age means, you know? I feel like a 40-year-old."

"It's being defined as something incredible. I'm not doing anything incredible; my energy, my pregnancy, my delivery — there were no complications.

Birnbaum, a psychologist from Saddle River, underwent in-vitro fertilization last year in Cape Town, South Africa, at a center that specializes in older women. She and her husband, Ken, a New York attorney, have been married for 38 years.

"I suppose age has been redefined, hopefully," she told Storm, admitting that her television appearance was in part to let other women know that "if they feel like it and they feel young enough, go do whatever it is you want to do. It's about empowerment for women."

Birnbaum was not concerned by the fact that she would be 80 when her twin boys attend college. "My parents both lived on into their 90s," she said. "My father was 92; my mother was 89. They were mentally sound. And they'd both be alive [today] if not for medical negligence. So we've had no problems with that decision, as far as longevity is concerned."

She said she and her husband wanted their 6 ½-year-old boy to have siblings of a comparable age. (They have two older children — a son, 33, and a daughter, 29).

Coincidentally, Tuesday was the birthday of twins born one year ago to a 59-year-old woman — also to a New Jersey woman. Lauren Cohen gave birth to Gregory and Giselle on May 22, 2006, at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia.

Cohen said Birnbaum contacted her after seeing her name in a magazine and that the two quickly became friends.

"We talked about babies; I suggested things that would be helpful when you try to feed two babies simultaneously," Cohen said.

[rushman71]

"A 60-year-old New Jersey psychologist gave birth to two boys Tuesday, making her possibly the oldest woman ever to deliver twins in the United States."
Notice it said Tuesday? That's two days ago!!! Fox News already did this article--two days ago!!!
CBS, get off your @sses and get to work!!!!

[nlm2383]

She'll be lucky to be there for their high school graduation...Can you imagine? Your a 18-year-old high school senior and your parents are like 80? They better get married right after high school or they definately won't be around for that.

[incog-nito]

Let's hope she doesn't consider breastfeeding the babies. They might be traumatized for life.

[MizQue]

These people already had two kids, and yet must have undergone IVF with an egg donor (this woman was to old 6 1/2 years ago to have viable eggs) to produce their third child, but they didn't stop there. Now for the ridiculous reason that this 6 1/2 year old child needs company, they went and had twins. Putting the age issue aside, I am greatly disturbed by all the multiple births caused by IVF and fertility drugs. Over population is the number one problem on the planet. Now that the natural balance of nature is thrown off by all of this brave new world meddling, the problem will only get worse.

[puzzler125]

No one says anything when an older father has children. Tony Randall-in his 70s. Anthony Quinn-in his 80s. Clint Eastwood and Laurence Olivier-60s, James Doohan (Scotty on Star Trek) at age 82. It's only when women have babies at a "later age" that people comment.

[wiccantexan]

No one says anything when an older father has children.....It's only when women have babies at a "later age" that people comment.
Posted by Puzzler125 at 11:41 AM : May 24, 2007

That's because the health risks of mother/child are primary factors, vs the men who aren't going through the pregnancy itself. Age directly impacts that, vs providing sperm alone.

As for the mother's comment, "it's about empowerment for women..." What a crock. An "empowered woman" does what is best for her offspring's life, period. Being a woman is NOT just about being able to bear children. That, IMHO, creates a very stereotyped image.

[john19703]

"My father was 92; my mother was 89. They were mentally sound. And they'd both be alive if not for medical negligence"

Now it is medical negligigence if her 92 years old father passes away !!!
No wonder, no American doctor was willing to implant embryo in her old uterus and she had to fly out of country to Africa to get her sick desire filled.

[angelachevy]

Wanting siblings for her 6 year old child is not a selfish act. It's the complete opposite. It's not as if she gets to enjoy her retirement years as most older people do. She'll be spending the next at least 18 years taking care of these twins. Even if the parents don't live to see them graduate from high school, at least they will not be alone since they already have three siblings! And the six year old will not be alone either! If people want to have children at that age, for their own personal reasons, it's obvious they are going to take care of them, or they wouldn't go through such trouble unlike so many unwanted pregancies. So before you judge others, check yourself. Unless you've gone through this first hand keep negative opinions to yourselves. Overpopulation is due to many other reasons. Obviously God wanted her to have more children or he would not have enabled to IVF to work! Everything happens for a reason so accept it and move on with your own lives!

[bebebe333]

Geeze. You people need to get a life. Who cares if she's 60. She has the right to have children whenever she wants to,no matter what her age is.

[wiccantexan]

Geeze. You people need to get a life. Who cares if she's 60. She has the right to have children whenever she wants to,no matter what her age is.
Posted by bebebe333 at 12:12 PM : May 24, 2007

A biological right doesn't denote the possession of wisdom or common sense. Any mammal can breed. But it takes more than that to be a responsible parent. I think this woman is going through a VERY long mid-life crisis, based on the idea that she's viable only if she can bear children.

[mica_28]

I think it's great if they wants to have more children She an her husband are successful and obviously of sound mind.
I have a good friend who has a father thats 88 and she is 27. SO WHAT! He's an incredible parent and is always there for her. It' seems amazing to me that you can be a drug addict and start having kids at 19 and keep on having them. Most of them end up in CPS or in foster programs. Or just simply having children when you are not emotionally ready yet but thats o.k. because you might be at the "right age"?
On another note, my lttle sister has a friend whose mother just died an accidental death at the age of 38. My point is that it doesn't matter how old you are. In the end what matters is that you were the best parent possible while you were alive.

[wiccantexan]

mica_28, this isn't about emotional age or financial well-being. It's about biology and health.

[wiccantexan]

Let's hope she doesn't consider breastfeeding the babies. They might be traumatized for life.
Posted by incog-nito at 11:36 AM : May 24, 2007

ROFLMAO!

And now, back to our regularly scheduled program.

[gunnerv1]

Can anywoman think about being 81 years old when her youngest childern turn 21

It looks from the caption as though it was her husband, Ken, who delivered the twins at the age of 60. That would be even more remarkable!

[cryonbrian]

White folks have too much time on their hands! LOL

[wiccantexan]

This is not what God intended for a morally sound woman to do to herself at that age.
Posted by mormonman1 at 01:15 PM : May 24, 2007

If my memory serves me correctly, the oldest woman to conceive naturally (no medical intervention) and successfully give birth was 59.

[juliemd]

Morman moron;
"God" intends for us to do what brings love and light into this world. These parents obviously want and love these babies. Leave your 17th century mentality on a barren cliff in Utah somewhere, ok.

[angelachevy]

It's not our job to decide if someone is too old to have a child. It's up to God and God only! Obviously, God wanted this couple to be parents again or 'he' would have prevented the IVF from working. :^

[rohink-2009]

Over population is the number one problem on the planet. Now that the natural balance of nature is thrown off by all of this brave new world meddling, the problem will only get worse.
Posted by MizQue

Over population is not the number one problem on this planet. Think again.

I just have one question for Mrs. Birnbaum. Since, according to you, we are living longer and redefining age, are you willing to give up any social security benefits? I mean, if 60 is the new 40, are you willing to hold off on benefits for another 20 years? Doubt it.

[phoenix1218]

Wanting siblings for a 6 yr old isn't selfish but to have those children knowing that the 6 yr old will be left to care for the twins because the parents are too infirm to care for them IS what is selfish. The parents will not live till these boys graduate high school but they WILL be alone. Although the same woman carried them all to term, only the first 3 kids are hers biologically. The 6 yr old was born when the woman was 54 & the twins when she was 60. Eggs aren't viable at that age. Who's to say that her biological Kids will WANT to take care of the kids when their parents die? So they very well could be alone. At that age the parents may be able to take care of the kids for a time but it won't last & care of the twins will fall to the 6 yr old. How fair is that? If GOD wanted her to have children then it would've happened naturally, NOT through medical science & a petri dish.

Wanting siblings for her 6 year old child is not a selfish act...Even if the parents don't live to see them graduate from high school, at least they will not be alone since they already have three siblings! And the six year old will not be alone either! If people want to have children at that age, for their own personal reasons, it's obvious they are going to take care of them, or they wouldn't go through such trouble unlike so many unwanted pregancies...Obviously God wanted her to have more children or he would not have enabled to IVF to work!...Posted by AngelaChevy

[angelachevy]

If those children were not meant to be, then God would have not allowed the IVF to work. Invitro Fertilization procedures have a small percentage of success anyway, so for it to work this easily and produce twins.... it's completely OBVIOUS they were meant to be or they would not exist.
Sad how ignorant people can be and want to judge others especially if they have NOT been through this themselves! I'm happy that that couple were able to have more children. Good for them! Until YOU have lived through it YOURSELF, don't judge them because you really have no clue what you are talking about.

[angelachevy]

If those children were not meant to be, then God would have not allowed the IVF to work. Invitro Fertilization procedures have a small percentage of success anyway, so for it to work this easily and produce twins.... it's completely OBVIOUS they were meant to be or they would not exist.
Sad how ignorant people can be and want to judge others especially if they have NOT been through this themselves! I'm happy that that couple were able to have more children. Good for them! Until YOU have lived through it YOURSELF, don't judge them because you really have no clue what you are talking about.

[swetzie1]

I'm 60. My youngest child is 25. I am a grandmother. I work full time. I get tired!!! I can't imagine starting all over again, and with twins!! Good luck to her when the inevitable physical decline of aging sets in, as it soon will...

[grammawhamma]

This woman does not sound too mentaly stable to me due to some of her comments. Who me?? Oh yeah, I'm 60 not the 40 year old I feel like. And come on...her very elderly parents would still be alive today if not for medical negligence. Give me a break!! She should be playing with her grandkids if she has any. Or she could have applied to be a foster mom if she thought her 6 year old needed companions. I wonder how young she will feel when the twins turn into rebelious teenagers!! In another article I read it quoted her adult daughter as being upset about her new siblings. The daughter might end up being the one raising them.

[jetlizhan]

sorry if this offends anyone out there - but this is ridiculous. no woman should have a baby at age 60! for Heaven's sake, think of the child - you could kick the bucket before he's 10 and then what? farmed out to family, etc. to me this was a very selfish decision on her part.

[phoenix1218]

Angela Chevy,
People have the freedom of choice given to them by GOD. These people chose to exercise that right. Going by your statement nothing would happen without GOD allowing it, which is not true. GOD does not allow the drug dealers to deal to young kids. GOD does not allow an irate husband to beat his kids. GOD does not allow people to kill people. GOD does not allow IVF to work. That is medical science and these people chose to use medical science to get pregnant.

If those children were not meant to be, then God would have not allowed the IVF to work. Invitro Fertilization procedures have a small percentage of success anyway, so for it to work this easily and produce twins.... it's completely OBVIOUS they were meant to be or they would not exist.
Sad how ignorant people can be and want to judge others especially if they have NOT been through this themselves! I'm happy that that couple were able to have more children. Good for them! Until YOU have lived through it YOURSELF, don't judge them because you really have no clue what you are talking about. Posted by AngelaChevy

[arthurcl1]

Selfish! Wait's until she is 60 to have a baby! They could have come out deformed or mongols and mother could have died on the surgery table and she won't live to see kids grow as she is 70's won't be able to run around with babies!

[angelachevy]

Phoenix1218,
To compare a couple who wants to have a child via medical science with a person who deals drugs proves you really have no clue what you are talking about. I'm sure the million plus people who have gone through successful IVFs would disagree with your ignorant opinion. So what if she's 60?!?! It doesn't matter how young or old you are to bear a child. It's their right and they did nothing wrong! Even if the couple were in their early 20s there's no guarantee that they will live until they are old. We could all go anyday. Leave the judgements to God and stop preaching things you don't understand! Oh yea, and mind your own business and get a life as bebebe333 stated earlier!

[phoenix1218]

For younger women, the chance of miscarriage is about 15 percent. In other words, one in eight pregnancies ends in miscarriage. At 35 the rate rises to one in four, and at 40 the miscarriage rate is almost one in three.

If she wants to deal with the VERY HIGH risk of miscarriage, let her do it. I am 27 and misscarried last year. I would NOT put myself in that position at THAT age.

[angelachevy]

superchez1 - AMEN!!! :-)

[yoopermom]

superchez1 said it best...

[itwasntme000]

Over population is not the number one problem on this planet. Think again.

I just have one question for Mrs. Birnbaum. Since, according to you, we are living longer and redefining age, are you willing to give up any social security benefits? I mean, if 60 is the new 40, are you willing to hold off on benefits for another 20 years? Doubt it.
Posted by rohink at 01:57 PM : May 24, 2007

umm think again rohink
So in your fantasy little world the United States is the whole world???? We are a small portion of the world geneous.

I really could care less but if you need to go to a hospital for someone to use a turkey baster to get you pregnant you should'nt be having kids. be it you are 80 years old or 15 years old... Listen to your body, sometimes it helps you stop doing something that is &^%&^%^in *&^$^%$(^&....

[phoenix1218]

women older than 35 & those over 40 %u2013 are at risk for developing complications during pregnancy which include gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation, pre-term labor & postpartum bleeding. The chance of needing a C-section is increased. For women over 50 (especially those who get pregnant using donor eggs) risk of diabetes & pre-eclampsia, for example, can be as high as 50%. It's harder to get pregnant in your 40's & up it is when you're most likely to carry more than 1 kid which is a high-risk pregnancy w/out medical science involved.

[phoenix1218]

AngelaChevy,
You misunderstood what I said which is quite simple really. This is what I said in response to something you said "People have the freedom of choice given to them by GOD. These people chose to exercise that right. Going by your statement nothing would happen without GOD allowing it, which is not true. GOD does not allow the drug dealers to deal to young kids. GOD does not allow an irate husband to beat his kids. GOD does not allow people to kill people. GOD does not allow IVF to work. That is medical science and these people chose to use medical science to get pregnant." I most certainly was NOT comparing this woman to someone who deals drugs. You said GOD chose to let the IVF work and I disagree saying GOD gave her free choice just as he gave it to you and me AND the drug dealers. I said that GOD does not allow drug dealers to deal to little kids, meaning that they have the free choice to deal to the kids. Don't twist words.

[phoenix1218]

I really could care less but if you need to go to a hospital for someone to use a turkey baster to get you pregnant you should'nt be having kids. be it you are 80 years old or 15 years old... Listen to your body, sometimes it helps you stop doing something that is &^%&^%^in *&^$^%$(^&.... Posted by itwasntme000

I COULD NOT AGREE WITH YOU MORE. If you cannot have kids the 'natural' way then you shouldn't be having kids because GOD is trying to tell you something (ANGELACHEVY, you get it now?)
AngelaChevy you say "It doesn't matter how young or old you are to bear a child." Does that mean you think it is okay for a 12 year old to get pregnant? Because that is just plain wrong at that age.

[itwasntme000]

Angela Chevy,
People have the freedom of choice given to them by GOD. These people chose to exercise that right. Going by your statement nothing would happen without GOD allowing it, which is not true. GOD does not allow the drug dealers to deal to young kids. GOD does not allow an irate husband to beat his kids. GOD does not allow people to kill people. GOD does not allow IVF to work. That is medical science and these people chose to use medical science to get pregnant.
Posted by Phoenix1218 at 02:48 PM : May 24, 2007

It depends on which magical "god" you believe to exist. But the fact of the matter is that no matter what you believe over half of the world believes otherwise. Oh but i forgot only your magical god you have been brainwashed to believe is the right one. sorry my bust how dumb could i have been. You do realize in the future we will look back and laugh at people like you and your god like we look at the greeks and their greek gods. Please people lets move out of the dark ages already this is getting annoying...

[angelachevy]

The babies are healthy and she beat the odds! Good for her! What the heck does social security have anything to do with the way she feels at her age?! Why can't you people just be happy for her, and if you can't just shut up already with the negative discouraging comments!?! Until you've been there yourself as I have don't be so quick to judge! I had a successful IUI and healthy baby boy at 35 1/2 with no complications, (will be 38 in Aug) BUT just went through one year of unsuccessful IVFs......obviously my 2nd one was not meant to be, so it's really nice to hear of successful ones! For those of you who can provide a good home for children it doesn't matter how old you are. Ignore the negative comments and go for it!

[phoenix1218]

itwasntme000, You obviously have not been following this little diatribe netween me and Angela because SHE is the one who first brought up GOD, not me, although since (and I DO SO hate to sound juvenile here, but I can't put what I am about to say any other way, so I apoligize)...Since she started it, the talk about GOD, I am not going to sit by and let her just tout GOD when she has nothing to back it up.

[phoenix1218]

angelachevy,
You are ONLY 37, there is NOTHING wrong with having a baby at that age. I didn't realize you were THAT young. And I am glad you had a successful pregnancy. Personally, I do not agree with IVF at ANY age because there are so many children in this country that need a home, but I wouldn't tell you that, unless of course you asked...other than that I would be supportive.I I don't see anything wrong with having a child up to the age of 45. It just is not fair to the child for the parent to be so old and not be able to play with them like 'normal' aged parents can. that is not to say that all younger parents are perfect. I know grandparents who are raising their grandkids and are doing ok., but they are just doing ok. The kid still misses out on activities they should normally get.

[jetlizhan]

superchez1

wealth is not the issue - i don't give a d@mn about how much money this couple has - 'these children will not need for anything' - except LOVE of both parents who might not be around to see them graduate from high school. the old cliche money doesn't buy happiness still holds ture.

[rohink-2009]

umm think again rohink
So in your fantasy little world the United States is the whole world???? We are a small portion of the world geneous.

I really could care less but if you need to go to a hospital for someone to use a turkey baster to get you pregnant you should'nt be having kids. be it you are 80 years old or 15 years old... Listen to your body, sometimes it helps you stop doing something that is &^%&^%^in *&^$^%$(^&....
Posted by itwasntme000


itwasntme000, what are you rambling about? By the way, you spelled genius wrong.

[phoenix1218]

wealth is not the issue - i don't give a d@mn about how much money this couple has - "these children will not need for anything" - except LOVE of both parents who might not be around to see them graduate from high school. the old cliche money doesn't buy happiness still holds ture. Posted by jetlizhan

GOOD POINT

[itwasntme000]

Over population is the number one problem on the planet. Now that the natural balance of nature is thrown off by all of this brave new world meddling, the problem will only get worse.
Posted by MizQue

Over population is not the number one problem on this planet. Think again.

I just have one question for Mrs. Birnbaum. Since, according to you, we are living longer and redefining age, are you willing to give up any social security benefits? I mean, if 60 is the new 40, are you willing to hold off on benefits for another 20 years? Doubt it.
Posted by rohink at 01:57 PM : May 24, 2007

According to you rohink the number one problem in the WORLD is social security!!!!!!! lmao haha to funny !!!!! I could have been blunt with it from the start like this!!!! maybe it is clear to you what i was saying.
dnot eevn get srtaed wtih seplilng msiktes man. teh olny lteers (ok i am sick of doing that) that matter in spelling a word are the first and the last letter. That is all that is needed for you to understand *** i am saying. Want me to pick apart your sentences to??? (i don't want to because I have other ways to attack a person and I don't have to resort to spelling)

[angelachevy]

Phoenix1218,
I am very sorry for your loss last year. No one should have to go through that and I'm sorry if I upset you in anyway (or anyone else) by my opinions. I just feel that EVERY SINGLE child born is a BLESSING and people should not think others are bad just because they want to have a child at an older age. Yes, it 'could' be unfair to the child if the parents die before they are adults. But, there is no guarantee that they will or will not. My mother is 70 and very healthy and active. She watches my two year old son all day while I'm working and still has the energy for him. I don't see her slowing down anytime soon. The average 60 year old may not be able to keep up with a toddler but everyone is different. Since this woman says she feels 40, she probably does but that doesn't mean she should consider giving up social security as that other person stated. Just because you and I may not want a child at 50 or 60 doesn't mean another person should not have one. It's their business...we don't have to raise those children, they do, so just be happy for them and be glad it's not you :).

[phoenix1218]

we don't have to raise those children, they do, so just be happy for them and be glad it's not you :). Posted by angelachevy

True enough, You nor I have to raise them. This womans older daughter is not happy about the twins, nor is she any blood relation to the twins, so who is to say that these twins will have a family to go to IF the parents die before they reach adulthood. There stands a very good chance that they will go into foster care and become a burden onto the people of New Jersey.

[angelachevy]

Phoenix1218, yes there is a chance they could go into foster care but there's a chance they could not. There could be other family members that we aren't aware of. The parents could live to be 100 and no one will have to worry about a thing, or they could die tomorrow and the entire country could help the kids out. No guarantees about anything in life. Mormonman1....what the heck are you bringing in goats to this subject for? You are too weird! Just continue to give your 20% to the Mormon church and don't worry about others.

[phoenix1218]

I agree with AngelaChevy....Mormonman1, even bringing the subject of goats up shows us where YOUR mind is. How DISGUSTING!!!

[randalds]

As long as I'm not the father (and I'm not dear...if you read this...honey...I'm really not the father...really) then hey, more power to her.

[williamfold]

just more proof that the US should be renamed "Dumbville".