From Heartbreak to Hope: Inspiring Stories of Celebrities Triumphing Over Fertility Challenges

Many celebrity parents, like Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, have had a challenging journey to parenthood. Teigen, in particular, questioned herself and searched for someone or something to hold responsible for the unsuccessful outcome of her first attempt at in vitro fertilization. Speaking to New York Magazine's The Cut in April 2018, Teigen expressed her self-doubt and desire to find a reason for their difficulties.

Teigen went on to have her daughter Esti in January 2023 and son Wren six months later through surrogacy. Continue scrolling to learn about other celebrities' experiences with fertility, including Astrid Loch from The Bachelor and Hilarie Burton from One Tree Hill.

Stars Who Struggled to Conceive Children Share Their Fertility Issues

It has been a difficult road to parenthood for many celebrity parents, including Chrissy Teigen and John Legend.

As I write these words, the pain rushes back, engulfing me once again. ... A profound and overwhelming sadness," the model penned in an essay published on Medium in October 2020. "They say that such an experience leaves an emptiness in your heart, a void that cannot be filled. A void was undeniably created, but it was filled with the immense love I had for something precious to me. This space doesn't feel hollow; it feels brimming with love."

Following that, in January 2023, Teigen gave birth to her daughter, Esti, and merely six months later, she joyfully welcomed her son, Wren, through surrogacy.

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Jade Roper

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After enduring a harrowing hospital stay, Louis-Dreyfus was finally discharged and allowed to return home. However, she was still restricted to her bed and unable to move around freely. Recounting the experience, the Seinfeld actress fondly remembered her mother and husband preparing a heartwarming meal for her. In a cast iron skillet, her mother crafted a delightful chili with a comforting layer of cornbread on top. The enchanting aroma filled the room as her loved ones set up a small card table at the end of her bed. Although she couldn't partake in the meal, the act of cooking brought her immense solace and a sense of embrace.

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Jessa Duggar

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"Nearly a decade, guys," Menounos shared on Live With Kelly and Ryan, referring to the extensive period she and Undergaro had been attempting to have a baby. "It has been a significantly long duration. We have exhausted all options – I mean, every single one. They attempted various methods to help me conceive, but to no avail. Kevin underwent surgery, with no success. He even tried suspending me upside down like a chicken – that didn't work either!" 

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Idina Menzel

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Olivia Culpo

She expressed her concern, stating, "I have limited knowledge about the forthcoming developments regarding this condition, and it constantly preoccupies my thoughts about my future plans. I feel an urgent need to start a family as soon as possible."

In November 2022, the former Friends actress candidly discussed her difficulties in conceiving and the intense public scrutiny that accompanied it with Allure magazine.

Having tried various methods such as IVF and consuming Chinese teas, the star of The Breakup expressed how challenging the journey had been. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, "I would've done anything if someone had advised me to freeze my eggs and take a proactive approach. It just never crossed my mind. And now, I find myself in this situation. It's too late."

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Lindsay Arnold

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Caroline Stanbury

The Bravo personality added, “When we put them in? I don’t know.”

The Dancing With the Stars professional dancer gave a glimpse into the life-altering moment when she announced her first pregnancy with Val Chmerkovskiy in July 2022. She explained that they had taken a six-month break from actively trying to conceive for their own mental and emotional well-being. The shock, disbelief, and overwhelming joy she felt during this moment will forever remain etched in her memory, as shared in an emotionally-charged Instagram video.

Johnson went on to express the hardships they endured over the course of two years, facing the challenges of infertility and countless negative pregnancy tests. There were moments that tugged at her heart, making her question whether she would ever have the opportunity to become a mother. She promised to elaborate on their fertility journey in the future, but for now, she wanted to offer hope and encouragement to others who may be struggling with getting pregnant, dealing with infertility, or grieving a pregnancy loss. Do not let hope slip away.

Peta Murgatroyd

The Dancing With the Stars pro, who is married to Maks Chmerkovskiy, announced in June 2022 that she suffered three miscarriages in two years.

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"I wrote on Instagram that if I had waited any longer, my fallopian tube would have burst. The doctors had to remove my fallopian tube, which was a scary experience. I never thought something like this would happen to me. Losing my baby and having to potentially lose my ovary as well was horrifying.

I'm still in a lot of physical pain and confined to bed after the surgery. But mentally, it's been even more difficult. Looking back, I realize that I ignored the signs my body was giving me about my ectopic pregnancy. I strongly encourage girls to get an early pregnancy scan just to be safe and rule out any potential problems."

Alexander and Lauren Ludwig

The Hunger Games actor, who married wife Lauren in 2021, announced in May 2022 that she had suffered a third miscarriage.

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Britney Spears

The "Stronger" singer and her fiancé Sam Asghari shared in May 2022 that they experienced a miscarriage shortly after announcing their pregnancy. In a joint statement, they expressed their resilience and determination to grow their family, while also requesting privacy during this challenging time. They also expressed gratitude for the support received from others.

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Kourtney Kardashian

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In February 2022, the author of Brunette Ambition shared with her followers on Instagram that she had high hopes of conceiving a second child with Reich. The heartfelt message expressed their belief that although their journey to bring their first child, Ever, into the world was challenging and filled with heartbreak, they had faith that God would bless them with another child when the timing is perfect.

The actress from Wizards of Waverly Place and the 2011 Miss Delaware winner celebrated the arrival of their daughter, Pia, in March 2019, following three miscarriages. Sharing on Instagram, the new father expressed, "Pia Philomena Francesca Henrie completes our family. Maria and I faced the heartbreaking experience of three miscarriages before finally being blessed with the opportunity to bring Pia into the world. Despite the immense difficulty of recovering from multiple miscarriages, we made a conscious effort to strengthen our bond instead of letting tragedy tear us apart!"

He continued, revealing how they sought support from @francisus, stating, "Pia's middle name, Francesca, holds special significance as I personally reached out to Pope Francis, asking him to pray for Maria and me to conceive a child. He graciously joined our hands, offered a special blessing, and confidently assured me that a baby would soon be on the way. True to his words, exactly nine months later, Pia entered our lives. To all those experiencing hardships, I urge you to #pray, #hope, and #dontworry! Always."

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Whitney Port

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Nico Tortorella and Bethany Meyers

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The actress revealed her decision to freeze her eggs in an Instagram post in December 2020, almost a year before the interview. She acknowledged that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she anticipated a decrease in work opportunities and knew that she would have more free time. Recognizing the importance of fertility and the value of having high-quality eggs available, particularly for career-oriented women, she made the choice to undergo the procedure. She emphasized the significance of taking care of her health while contemplating this decision.

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Jeannie Mai

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Jordan Pruitt

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Erin Andrews

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Erin Bates

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Amanda Knox

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Odette Annable

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Ashley Slack

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Astrid Loch

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Kristen Welker

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Melinda Stolp

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Sarah Herron

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Tori Roloff

The Little People, Big World star expressed their tremendous excitement upon discovering they were expecting their third child. An Instagram post shared in March 2021 revealed their eagerness to share the news. However, during their initial ultrasound at eight weeks, a devastating realization was made: they had tragically lost their beloved baby two weeks prior. In that moment, a profound sense of loss, sadness, anger, and fear engulfed them. The sudden and unexpected absence of any preceding signs or symptoms intensified their heartbreak. The TLC personality found solace in referring to her husband, Zach Roloff, as her unwavering source of support during this devastating ordeal.

Elle King

When she announced her pregnancy in March 2021, the singer bravely revealed her previous struggles with miscarriages. In an Instagram post, Rob Schneider's daughter expressed, "This miracle baby comes after two significant losses. It's a frightening and incredibly painful experience for everyone involved. However, I never let go and allowed the universe to decide when I was ready. Each pregnancy announcement felt like a piercing blow to me. ... The challenges women face on this journey make us nothing short of warriors. So, I am grateful for your prayers and love as we navigate this high-risk pregnancy!"

Erin Bates

In February 2021, the star of the show Bringing Up Bates revealed exclusively to Us that getting pregnant with baby No. 5 would be a remarkable feat after undergoing three surgeries that resulted in her having just one third of an ovary. She expressed her sadness as it seemed highly unlikely at that point, especially since she and her husband, Chad Paine, always dreamed of having at least 10 children. However, she remained hopeful and acknowledged that only God knows what the future holds.

Mandy Moore

Following a visit to a fertility specialist, the beloved performer of This Is Us had a surgery scheduled for her uterus during the summer of 2020. Reflecting on the experience in January 2021, the actress shared with Romper that having a concrete plan allowed her to understand the reasons behind her previous struggles to conceive. Interestingly, just moments before the procedure was to take place, Moore discovered that she was, in fact, pregnant.

Kristen Doute

"I have been experiencing irregular menstrual cycles recently, which has been causing me a lot of anxiety due to my age," revealed the former cast member of Vanderpump Rules, in her Instagram Story from January 2021. "During my visit to the gynecologist, we were unable to conduct the desired tests, which was incredibly distressing and heartbreaking. However, we made the best out of the situation with the available resources. Fortunately, there is positive news on those fronts, and we will continue monitoring the necessary factors and reevaluate in a few months."

Lauren Scruggs

Jason Kennedy made a disclosure in January 2021 about his wife's initiation of IVF, stating to his Instagram followers, "The outcome could range from having twins, having more than twins, having only one, or not having any at all." However, regardless of the potential outcomes, both he and the author of Still LoLo remained resolute in their belief that the process would be a positive experience.

Michelle Branch

The singer of "Are You Happy Now?" described her miscarriage in December 2020 as a devastating blow following a difficult year. She expressed her pain and exhaustion, sharing on Instagram: "I'm struggling to reach the end."

Fantasia Barrino

The former American Idol contestant, who is currently expecting her third child, revealed to talk show host Tamron Hall in December 2020 that she and her husband, Kendall Taylor, had been attempting to conceive for a period of three years. Barrino disclosed that she had discovered one of her fallopian tubes was closed, but upon further examination, the doctor informed her that while one tube had reopened, the other had closed. In response to this unexpected news, Barrino and her husband decided to take a break from their efforts and trust in a higher power. She admitted, "We made the conscious decision to surrender to God's plan and, honestly, I completely forgot about it."

Catelynn Lowell

In December 2020, the Teen Mom OG star disclosed the unfortunate news of suffering a miscarriage on Thanksgiving. This devastating revelation came just three days after she discovered she was pregnant with her fourth child together with her husband Tyler Baltierra. In an Instagram post, she expressed her initial joy of being pregnant and her subsequent heartbreak upon losing the baby. Her purpose in sharing this deeply personal experience was to assure others that they are not alone in their pain and that everyone goes through the difficult process of healing and recovery after such a loss. Still caught in the midst of grappling with this recent tragedy, she also mentioned the additional emotional turmoil that follows in a year already filled with immense hardship.

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Christina Perri

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Lena Dunham

In November 2020, the actress from Girls shared the story of her unsuccessful IVF journey with Harper's Magazine. She revealed that she had also considered sperm donors and surrogacy options. According to Dunham, each step she took in the process distanced her from her own body, her family, and her reality. The path became increasingly expensive, desperate, and isolating. Eventually, she reached a point where she couldn't imagine how it would all end.

Gabrielle Union

In November 2018, the acclaimed actress from Being Mary Jane took to Instagram to share the joyous news that she and her spouse, professional basketball player Dwyane Wade, had embraced the arrival of a "miracle baby" with the assistance of a surrogate. The proud parents decided to name their daughter Kaavia James Union Wade. Opening up about her struggles with infertility, the Bring It On star revealed during an appearance on Dr. Oz in July 2018, "For the past three years, my body has been held captive by the relentless pursuit of getting pregnant. It has been a cycle of constantly preparing for, undergoing, or recovering from IVF treatments."

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Seven months later, the comedian revealed to Willie Geist that she and Fischer had contemplated the option of surrogacy after experiencing a difficult round of IVF. "Considering how challenging it was, I have made the decision that I am not able to undergo IVF again, therefore, I have concluded that I cannot conceive another child," Schumer explained in August 2020.

"You undergo extensive self-deprecation, and it feels as though your partner might view you differently, along with all the other imaginary scenarios we create in our minds," the New York native shared with InStyle in August 2020 regarding her IVF journey, merely two months after joyously welcoming her twins through a surrogate. "Yet, every time I opened up about it and mentioned that I was going through IVF, I would inevitably encounter someone who was either currently experiencing it, on the verge of starting the process, or knew someone who had just gone through it. It's like being part of an unspoken underground community that is simultaneously discussed and shrouded in secrecy."

The former Bachelorette expressed her utter disbelief and devastation following her miscarriage, as she unveiled in a heartfelt Instagram post from July 2020. "I identify as one of the four women who have experienced this," the mommy blogger conveyed. "I am not divulging this to seek pity or sympathy. I do not wish for others to commiserate with me. I do not feel sorry for myself. I am engulfed in sadness for the untapped potential. My heart aches for the unborn child growing within me. The overwhelming sorrow is undeniable. It is essential that I share this experience, as I believe it holds great significance."

Following her second miscarriage, the Glee alum and her spouse, Zach Martin, sought the expertise of a fertility specialist and decided to preserve their embryos. "There's no greater sensation," the actress shared during a July 2020 episode of the "LadyGang" podcast. "I hadn't realized the immense relief that would wash over me upon discovering that I no longer had to rush or desperately hope for a healthy outcome."

After completing two cycles of cryopreservation on her eggs, the Vanderpump Rules star and her partner, Brock Davies, naturally conceived their first child together; however, she experienced a miscarriage at six weeks. "It's absolutely heartbreaking," Shay expressed during a June 2020 episode of the "Scheananigans" podcast. "We were filled with joy and anticipation, but it all disappeared so suddenly. It has been a tremendous challenge to come to terms with this."

James Van Der Beek's wife bravely shared the heart-wrenching experience of her three miscarriages, all occurring around the 10-week mark of gestation, in September 2018. In an emotional Instagram post, she revealed that she allowed them to occur naturally, while being supported by her loving husband and compassionate birthing team, and finding solace in her spiritual grounding. Despite the ideal circumstances, each miscarriage left her devastated, to the point where she spent nearly five hours crying in the shower after one of them. Fortunately, she has found peace with those losses and now cherishes her five children.

However, in September 2019, the couple faced another devastating blow. Just as they announced the news of expecting their sixth child, she experienced a miscarriage in November. This loss was particularly difficult, as it was later in the pregnancy and accompanied by a terrifying threat to her well-being, as shared by James on social media.

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Chuck Wicks and Kasi Morstad

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Melanie Martin

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Jill Zarin and Steven Shapiro

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Lauren Burnham

After her missed miscarriage, The Bachelor alum and her husband, Arie Luyendyk Jr., went through a whirlwind of emotions. This condition occurs when the body fails to recognize or expel pregnancy tissue, resulting in the continued release of hormones. In a YouTube video from May 2020, she candidly admitted, "It's an experience that you can never truly be prepared for."

After experiencing a seven-year absence of her menstrual cycle and receiving a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome, the renowned Victoria's Secret model made the exciting announcement of her pregnancy through Instagram. Reflecting on her journey, Strijd shared, "I embarked on a quest to discover holistic remedies for PCOS and reached the realization that I needed to adopt a gentler approach to my training, avoid strict dietary restrictions, prioritize self-care, and embrace necessary breaks." Additionally, she explored the benefits of natural supplements and acupuncture, while also relocating to the Netherlands to relish in quality time with her beloved family. Overflowing with joy and gratitude, Strijd revealed, "I am overjoyed to report that my menstrual cycle resumed last November, and soon we will be a family of three."

In May 2020, the One Tree Hill alum discussed the false narrative projected, particularly by celebrities, about how going through a difficult experience brings couples closer together. Speaking exclusively to Us, she revealed her feelings of failure due to not experiencing the same outcome. Until you go through a truly devastating event together, it's impossible to predict your partner's reaction or understand their needs. The Walking Dead star required her to be composed and supportive, while she felt an urge to express her emotions through tears and frustration.

Lance Bass and Michael Turchin

The former member of ’NSync revealed exclusively to Us in March 2020 that he and the artist were making another attempt at IVF following their previous "heartbreaking" experience. He stated, "Regrettably, the last attempt was unsuccessful, so we are starting afresh and preparing for another round. Hopefully, within the next few months, we will receive positive news. However, it will take some time to determine if anything will be successful."

Abby Elliott

During her conversation with Kelly Clarkson in February 2020, the former SNL cast member shared about her participation in "hardcore" IVF treatments. She emphasized the intense nature of the hormone injections and urged for more open dialogue on the subject, stating that many women experience this but it remains largely unspoken. In a lighthearted manner, Elliott quipped about her upcoming Valentine's Day plans involving her husband, Billy Kennedy, administering shots in her buttocks – a rather unconventional yet romantic gesture.

Domino Kirke

After experiencing multiple miscarriages, the singer lost faith in her own body and came to terms with the realization that she and Penn Badgley would not have a child. Sharing her pregnancy announcement in February 2020, the DOMINO band member referred to the unique challenges of getting pregnant after a loss. She expressed the emotional struggle of letting go of the heartbreak she had witnessed and allowing herself to fully embrace her own journey.

Golnesa Gharachedaghi

"In the summer of last year, I experienced the joy of pregnancy," the Shahs of Sunset star shared in a heartfelt Instagram post in February 2020. However, this happiness was followed by a series of unfortunate events. Without delving into too many details, I found myself faced with the loss of the pregnancy and an urgent visit to the emergency room. The situation became even more critical as I underwent a surgical procedure to remove both of my fallopian tubes. After a period of healing, I decided to undergo IVF once again, and miraculously, I was blessed with another pregnancy!"

Brittany Lutz

In January 2020, Kellan Lutz's wife candidly shared the story of her pregnancy journey on Instagram. She revealed, "After getting married at almost 31, much later than expected, I am now 32 and expecting a baby. It has been a challenging road with countless negative tests, a heartbreaking lost pregnancy, and a necessary surgery to address issues within my uterus and create an optimal environment for nurturing a child."

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Hilary Rhoda

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Brie Bella

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Beyoncé

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Liz Sandoz

The former contestant on The Bachelor discussed her experience with a chemical pregnancy loss on the “Miraculous Mamas” podcast in December 2019. She expressed a sense of peace about it, but also admitted feeling emotional when talking about it because it was her first pregnancy. She described the excitement and preparation that accompanied the positive tests, including picking out nursery wallpaper. The disappointment of the loss was real, even though it was a chemical pregnancy, leading her to feel foolish for crying. Despite this setback, her husband, Vito Presta, reassured listeners that they would continue trying to conceive. He emphasized the resilience needed to face life's challenges and expressed his willingness to keep having sex as a way to fight back.

Teresa Giudice

In a November 2019 episode of the Bravo show, The Real Housewives of New Jersey star disclosed her attempt to conceive a boy through in vitro fertilization. Sharing her experience, the reality star mentioned, "They implanted three embryos in me, but unfortunately, I didn't achieve pregnancy."

Lindsie Chrisley

During her “Coffee Convos” podcast with Kailyn Lowry in November 2019, the former cast member of Chrisley Knows Best shared that she had experienced a miscarriage after the birth of her son, Jackson, in 2012. Medium Monica Ten-Kate comforted Chrisley during that time by emphasizing that there was no need for her to rush or worry about any potential complications. The overarching message was to reassure her that despite her past loss, she should not feel pressured by a timeline.

Lauren Sorrentino

After coming home from prison, Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino and Lauren conceived their first child. However, Lauren unfortunately suffered a miscarriage at around six and a half to seven weeks. Sharing her experience during a November 2019 appearance on Strahan, Sara & Keke, she explained how challenging and heartbreaking it was for her. Despite the difficulty, she wanted to share her story in the hopes of helping other women who may have gone through a similar tragedy and find healing in the process.

Hilaria Baldwin

After warmly welcoming Carmen, Rafael, Leonardo, and Romeo along with her husband Alec Baldwin, the fitness guru tragically experienced two miscarriages in April and November 2019. Reflecting on her Instagram Story after her second pregnancy loss, the author of the Living Clearly Method revealed, "I was unaware of the abundance of tears within the human body. While I strive to embrace my grief, I also recognize that life moves forward and even amidst the darkness, there is still beauty to be found."

Camille Guaty

"I always held onto the belief that I would become a mother, despite the challenges that lay ahead," shared the actress on Instagram in November 2019. "With each passing moment and mounting obstacles, I knew I had to change my outlook. Now, I am blessed to be the mother of a precious baby boy. God's plan was beyond my comprehension."

Teddi Mellencamp

The reality star revealed her hidden struggles with her IVF journey on her “Teddi Tea Pod” podcast in October 2019. She admitted to keeping her emotions concealed, not wanting others to witness her breaking down time and time again. In the depths of her despair, she felt trapped within herself, constantly questioning what was wrong with her and why her body couldn't sustain a pregnancy.

Holly Durst

After attempting to conceive for two years with Blake Julian, the winner of Bachelor Pad season 2, she received news that she may have endometriosis. In light of this, she opted to seek the services of a surrogate following both ovary surgery and unsuccessful attempts at in vitro fertilization and intrauterine insemination. Unfortunately, the couple's surrogate experienced two pregnancies that ended in miscarriage at the 8-week mark. As a result, Durst and Julian made the decision to pursue adoption. They connected with the birth mother of their daughter, Poppy, through Instagram and happily welcomed her into their lives in September 2019.

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Renee Morrison

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