The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 불임의 눈물과 승리|The One with Mo! - On Infertility - Trials, Tears, and Triumphs: Episode 31 (2023)

Disclaimer: We will discuss depression-related topics in this episode. If you or someone you know is struggling with these issues, please seek professional help immediately. You're not alone, and support is available via our ongoing fertility project. We discuss the mental, physical, and emotional stress concerning miscarriages, infertility treatments, and negative social and environmental factors that contribute to the mental stress that accompanies going through infertility.

Dear Mosiblings,

Today, our show takes a unique turn as my virtual assistant, Hauwa, takes on the role of the interviewer. This episode delves into my personal infertility journey spanning over 12 years and the heartfelt project I've recently initiated, The More Sibyl Fertility Project (TMS).

Why, you may wonder? This project holds a profound significance for me as it mirrors my journey through over a decade of infertility, encompassing pregnancy losses, IVF treatments, fleeting hopes, bouts of depression, multiple laparoscopy surgeries, hormonal struggles, and the sense of losing oneself along the way. The objectives of TMS are multifaceted, aiming to shed light on the universal experience of infertility among women, providing financial assistance and mental and emotional support, and building a supportive community. I emphasize the importance of being part of a community of "women in waiting" and the hope it can offer by listening to the stories and testimonies of others.

What better way to introduce this project than through my own story? In this intense episode, I delve deep into the details of my journey, holding nothing back. Hauwa guides me in discussing events and experiences that have led me to embark on this fertility project.

I narrate the trajectory of my fertility journey, including the early years of my marriage and the struggles I faced with my husband, TDawg. We also explore my dream of adoption, its temporary loss, and its eventual restoration by my ever-supportive husband. We engage in a meaningful conversation about the potential pressures a Nigerian wife faces, including family dynamics. I clarify that I encountered minimal pressure from my in-laws, with the majority originating from my mother, given my status as the first child and the only married one for an extended period. Hauwa and I touch upon the dynamics of parenthood, offering insights into how parents can support their children and couples facing fertility challenges. Discussing the negative impacts of fertility challenges, I express profound gratitude to my husband, TDawg, for his unwavering encouragement, reassurance, and steadfast support over the years.

As we conclude the episode, I highlight the avenues through which women and couples can seek healing and help, such as therapy and community support. I encourage people to support couples struggling to conceive by being good listeners, making supportive calls, respecting their privacy and choices, and refraining from offering unsolicited advice. We hope you found this episode as insightful and heartfelt as we did, and I urge you to contribute to the cause. Remember, no amount is too small.

Until next time, I remain your dearest Mo!