Sarah Herron's Heartbreaking Journey: Overcoming Loss and Embracing Hope in Bachelor Nation
'Bachelor' alum Sarah Herron shares the heart-wrenching story of her fertility struggle and the emotional aftermath of a failed embryo transfer, shedding light on the trauma she endured
Sarah Herron Courtesy of Sarah Herron/Instagram
Following the tragic loss of her son Oliver earlier this year, Sarah Herron, known from The Bachelor, has provided an update on her fertility journey. It was revealed that the recent embryo transfer with her fiancé Dylan Brown was unsuccessful. Sharing a video on Instagram on Thursday, June 29, the 36-year-old reality star expressed that after five months of physical and spiritual healing, they were prepared to move forward. This time around, the couple decided to keep the process private, shared only between them.
Herron further disclosed that she and Brown made an effort to transfer another embryo, marking their first attempt since Oliver's passing. Unfortunately, their endeavor was not successful. "We held onto so much hope, believing deep down that it would be different this time," she expressed. "To my surprise, I was completely mistaken. We were aware that this outcome was a possibility all along. Despite having flawless embryos, things don't always go according to plan."
The video showcased Herron self-administering IVF injections and visiting a medical facility. Additionally, a clip depicted Herron and Brown embracing each other while anxiously awaiting the outcome of a pregnancy test taken at home.
"The outcome was far from our expectations," she expressed. "Instead of capturing our happiness, it documented the heartbreaking moment when all our years of dedication were erased, bringing back the pain of losing our son. IVF provides families with immense hope and potential, but when it falls short, it's difficult to shake off the feeling that our dreams have been swept away."
She further elaborated, "I had mentally braced myself for the emotional challenges of pregnancy after experiencing loss, but I had never anticipated the postpartum trauma that would be brought on by an unsuccessful transfer."
As the couple received the unfavorable outcome, Herron sought solace in Brown's embrace, shedding tears of disappointment. "For those enduring the IVF journey following a heartbreaking miscarriage, this moment holds great significance. I acknowledge your struggle," she penned, expressing gratitude towards her resolute and inspiring support system of knowledgeable professionals and steadfast companions.
Sarah Herron, known for her appearances on season 17 of The Bachelor and various seasons of Bachelor in Paradise, revealed her engagement to Brown in May 2021. In September 2022, it was confirmed that Herron, who is an alum of the ABC franchise, is expecting her first child with Brown after undergoing an extensive IVF process.
Shortly after the turn of the year, Herron shared heartbreaking news on Instagram. She disclosed that she had suffered a profound loss: her son Oliver, born prematurely at 24 weeks, had sadly passed away. In her heartfelt post on February 1, she expressed the indescribable pain and sorrow that she and her family were experiencing. Despite the tragedy, Herron found solace in the beauty of Oliver's existence, cherishing his physical resemblance to both herself and his father, particularly in his nose, mouth, and long fingers. Though Oliver's physical presence may have been small, his impact and legacy will forever be larger than life to the grieving family.
Dylan Brown and Sarah Herron Courtesy of Sarah Herron/Instagram
While Herron has openly shared her experience of grief and the process of healing after the loss of her son, Brown, on the other hand, initially refrained from discussing it publicly.
"I deliberated extensively on whether or not to disclose the heart-wrenching news of Oliver's passing on Instagram. Ultimately, I find myself living a dual existence - one in the real world, and the other on Instagram. ... It is with immense sorrow that I share a loss no parent should ever have to endure," he expressed in the caption of his Instagram post on February 27th.
Brown acknowledged that navigating through grief is a complex and challenging journey. He stated that he and Herron will continue to confront their pain for a considerable period of time - quite possibly for the remainder of their lives. "However, we found strength in one another, for Oliver's sake, and managed to navigate through this unbearable experience by relying on love," he penned. "The knowledge that Oliver is no longer with us is deeply painful, but the shattered dreams are what truly pierce our hearts, and continue to do so."
