Why Don’t You Just Adopt?
When I was going through IVF—and in the thick of not succeeding—I was depressed in a way I didn’t think was possible. People thought they were being comforting when they asked me, “Why don’t you…
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This Isn’t the Midlife I Imagined — Here’s How I Pivoted at 55
I used to think midlife would look different. I thought there’d be kids. A family. A rhythm to my days that followed school schedules and bedtime routines. But instead, I’m here—childfree not by choice, trying…
View PostWhen the Miracle Doesn’t Come: The Shame No One Talks About After IVF
Did I Not Pray Hard Enough? The Unspoken Shame Behind ‘Miracle Baby’ Culture I used to believe in the miracle baby. That one more round of IVF, one more sign from the universe, one more…
View PostMore to Life Than Children? Why That Phrase Hurts More Than It Helps
“Stephanie, there is more to life than children.” That’s what my ex-husband said to me when I told him that all my IVF options had failed with my current husband. I had nothing left—no more…
View PostBeyond Pity: The Empowered Narrative of Childfree not by Choice
Women who are childfree not by choice are beyond the narrative of pity. When I stopped IVF and ended my parenthood journey, I was worried about people pitying me. The stigma of infertility seemed unbearable…
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