The proud mom to Duke, now 5 years old, spoke with Mediaplanet to share insights from her challenging but endlessly rewarding journey to parenthood.
When did you know you wanted to be a mom?
My husband and I were married a few years before trying to have a baby. We truly didn’t think it would be difficult, since we were in our 30s, and expected it to happen quickly. When it didn’t, it was a real let down, but we were happy and thankful to have IVF as an option.
How did you cope with the emotional toll of infertility — eventually realizing that you wouldn’t be able to carry Duke yourself?
After I realized I wouldn’t be able to get pregnant myself, I was optimistic that I would still become a mother thanks to IVF. I didn’t care how I had a child, I just wanted to be a mother and shower a child with love for the rest of his or her life.
What advice would you give to a couple experiencing infertility, that feels hopeless and out of options?
Since going public with infertility, I have heard countless amazing stories of people who almost lost hope, but stayed positive and eventually had a child of their own. Don’t give up. Stay positive and know that good news may be just around the corner.
How has your life changed since becoming a mom?
My life has changed in the most incredible ways. Life before my son was beautiful, but since being a mom, I feel even more joy and happiness. When he looks at me and smiles or says “Mommy, I love you,” my heart melts. It’s truly the best feeling in the world.
What’s the greatest lesson you learned on your journey to becoming a mother?
I think the most important lesson I’ve learned while trying to have a baby and going through IVF is to do your research and go to the best IVF doctor possible. Not all doctors have the same protocol, and you want to make sure to go to the one with the best success rates and one that other friends have had success with. But most importantly, stay positive and keep the faith.