Summer Series: the women changing how we speak about fertility, pregnancy loss and motherhood’s great expectations

While Something To Talk About takes a break, we are revisiting some of the most emotional and revealing moments from the almost 50 guests who have joined us in conversation on this podcast over the past year.

The complex issue of becoming a parent, or the conscious decision not to, is at the heart of today’s episode. We begin by revisiting our powerful conversation with influencer and cult brand co-founder Sarah Davidson, who shared her experience of pregnancy loss with Something To Talk About to break the taboo around speaking publicly about miscarriage - especially given Sarah found it impossible to find stories of other women who had experienced pregnancy loss but were yet to conceive again. After opening up about her heartache and grief after miscarrying last year when she and her husband Nick decided to start trying for a baby, Sarah and Nick have since shared a happy update with her followers - they are expecting a baby boy later this year.

This issue was also at the centre of my interview with British author and podcaster Elizabeth Day, who spoke with such candour that she moved many listeners to tears when detailing the anger, the grief - and ultimately, the acceptance - that she experienced when coming to terms with this chapter of her life. Having famously coined the term ‘fertility privilege’, Elizabeth had many thought-provoking observations as to what we should and shouldn’t share on social media when navigating baby news. And how can we support the people in our lives who have had that choice taken away from them?

With these conversations being brought to the fore more than ever before; as Michelle Andrews of the Shameless Media empire told Something To Talk About, the decisions regarding if and when to have children is her ‘Roman Empire’. At 29, Michelle explained how the dialogue around babies, pregnancy and pregnancy loss is not only the issue keeping her up at night, but occupying the minds of many of her generation.

And what of those who have decided to be childfree, and yet are forced to contend with the judgement and unsolicited questions from others over that decision? Maria Thattil is one such woman, and as she told this podcast, the choice to raise a child shouldn’t be made to fix something in your life or appease the people around you.

But for those who are equally certain they do want to have children, radio presenter Fifi Box has demonstrated that there are many different ways to create a family. As a single mother to two beautiful daughters, the youngest of whom was conceived via IVF, Fifi was incredibly generous in talking Something To Talk About’s listeners through the highs and lows of that process.

A warning that today’s episode touches on subject matter that could be triggering for some listeners. For support or information about pregnancy loss, visit miscarriageaustralia.com.au

Hear the full conversation with each of the guests featured in this episode here:

Listen to Sarah Davidson here.

Listen to Elizabeth Day here.

Listen to Michelle Andrews here.

Liston to Maria Thattil here.

Listen to Fifi Box here.

Something To Talk About will return with brand new episodes in late January 2024

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