Biology doesn’t negotiate

She mastered marketing at Apple, Uber, and Netflix. But even Bozoma Saint John can't negotiate with biology.

I've watched her openly share her fertility journey in a recent interview on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

There are several parallels in our journeys to motherhood.

Like me, Boz is no stranger to pregnancy trauma and child loss.

She experienced serious health complications during her first pregnancy and lost her daughter, Eve. I lost my firstborn, too.

Her second child was born at 32 weeks and spent time in the NICU.

Thankfully, she is now a healthy teenager—just like my daughter, who was born at 34 weeks and spent 40 days in the NICU.

Now, in her late 40s, Boz is trying to become pregnant through IVF…and her body isn't cooperating.

It's a reality that catches many accomplished women by surprise. Success in our careers doesn't pause the biological realities of fertility.

I know that feeling all too well.

She's on her third round of IVF.
A year on hormones.
The hope and disappointment that accompany the beginning and end of each unsuccessful cycle.

But mostly, I relate to her pain.

"I don't know how many times I can feel loss. I'm not sure how long my heart can take it."

Her words cut deep.

Because I know how much she wants a baby with her fiancé.

Then, after sharing her heartbreak, the "badass" Boz reappeared.

"At some point, we've got to make some practical decisions."

She talks about donor eggs. Adoption. Surrogacy.

Hearing her say those words, I was reminded that creating a family doesn't always happen the way we imagined, but it an still be beautiful.

Whatever path she ultimately chooses, I believe Boz will find a way to build the family that feels right for her.

Because she has the determination of a fierce businesswoman and the heart of a mother.

For women who dream of becoming mothers, don't mistake obstacles for dead ends.

There are more paths to family than most of us were ever taught.

Let's make a plan together.

#motherhoodafter40
#bozomasaintjohn
#missionmotherhood
#cherischoice