Sarah Herron's Heartbreaking Journey: The Untold Emotional Quotes About Late Son Oliver and Her Determination to Conceive
Discover the heartfelt journey of Bachelor Nation's Sarah Herron as she opens up about her emotional fertility journey and the profound loss of her newborn son, Oliver Delve into her most poignant quotes that offer a glimpse into her resilience and unwavering strength
Former Bachelor contestant Sarah Herron has been transparent about her struggles with fertility for a considerable amount of time, sharing her IVF journey online to provide encouragement to others who may be experiencing comparable situations. In September 2022, Herron and her husband Dylan Brown revealed her pregnancy, which brought joy to their lives after enduring numerous challenges.
Herron and Brown recently shared heartbreaking news about the premature death of their newborn son, Oliver, who passed away at 24 weeks. In February 2023, the former Bachelor in Paradise star expressed her deep anguish and love for the baby in a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. She wrote, "The enormity of our grief is indescribable. It is a bittersweet mix of beauty and tragedy. Oliver had my nose and his father's mouth and long fingers."
Scroll down to revisit Herron’s most emotional quotes about her fertility journey over the years.
Credit: Broadimage/Shutterstock
Bachelor Nation’s Sarah Herron’s Most Emotional Quotes About Late Son Oliver, Fertility Journey
Bachelor Nation alum Sarah Herron has candidly shared her fertility challenges with fans for quite some time. In September 2022, she and her husband Dylan Brown joyfully revealed her pregnancy after Herron's appearance on season 17 of The Bachelor in 2013. Throughout her IVF journey, she has openly documented both the highs and lows, aiming to provide inspiration and support to those facing similar struggles.
Herron and Brown shared heartbreaking news almost five months after announcing their pregnancy. They disclosed that their precious son, Oliver, sadly passed away prematurely at 24 weeks. In February 2023, the former Bachelor in Paradise star dedicated a heartfelt Instagram tribute to their little one.
"We are overwhelmed by the depth of sorrow and grief we are enduring," she expressed in her post. "It's both devastating and hauntingly beautiful. He inherited my nose, his dad's mouth, and his long fingers."
Scroll down to revisit Herron’s most emotional quotes about her fertility journey over the years.
Credit: Courtesy of Sarah Herron/Instagram
March 2021
The former reality star took to Instagram to share that she had received a diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). "I never expected things to turn out this way for me. At the age of 34, I have been informed that my chances of conceiving naturally are very slim," she wrote alongside a photo of herself and Brown. "After attempting to conceive for 7 months without success, we decided to undergo fertility testing. The results consistently showed that I have a low egg count and poor egg quality."
She went on to express her feelings, stating, "It is difficult not to feel shattered, but I understand that this is simply information that can help me better understand myself, my relationships, and my priorities and values. Regardless of the outcome, it does not define my ability to be a loving and nurturing mother, and it does not diminish my worthiness of having a partner."
Herron ended her message by thanking "the women whose footsteps I am following in," adding, "I admire you, I hold space for you and I see all of you more clearly than ever."
Credit: Courtesy Sarah Herron/Instagram
May 2021
During a conversation on the "Bachelor Happy Hour" podcast, Herron expressed her excitement and apprehension about embarking on the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process. Engaging with fellow Bachelor Nation stars Becca Kufrin and Catherine Giudici, she admitted to feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. Herron disclosed that she had yet to initiate the medication phase of the treatment and was slightly anxious due to previous hormone therapy and her ongoing reliance on medication for mental health issues. Consequently, she approached the situation with some degree of hesitation.
Thinking about how the treatment would impact her emotionally, mentally, and physically, she expressed her confidence in having a strong support system. She felt prepared but also acknowledged feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. Despite her nerves, the founder of SheLift remained highly optimistic about the process and emphasized the need to stay grounded and realistic, recognizing it as a journey.
Credit: Courtesy of Sarah Herron/Instagram
February 2023
Following the loss of her newborn son, Herron posted a photo on her Instagram Story, showing her affectionately cuddling with her dog, Rio, captured prior to Oliver's birth. Reflecting on the moment, she expressed, "This was our final morning spent together as a family. It was the last time I experienced the joy of feeling his energetic kicks and adorable hiccups. I wish I could turn back time. I would do anything to relive that Friday morning again."
Credit: Courtesy of Sarah Herron/Instagram
February 2023
She expressed on Instagram that postpartum after experiencing a pregnancy loss is still considered postpartum. She mentioned not having reached the sections regarding perinatal care or lactation support in her reading. It felt like she instantly transitioned from the second trimester to the fourth trimester. Unaware that her milk would come in, she found herself needing supplies such as adult diapers, witch hazel, and ice packs when she was only 24 weeks pregnant.
She exclaimed, "Instead of enjoying my days indulging in belly oils and caressing my growing bump, I find myself immersed in an intense crash course on postpartum recovery, shedding tears uncontrollably. I do not seek relief; what I long for is to be reunited with my precious baby."
Herron urged those who have friends or family enduring a similar journey to "be there for her in her time of need, by bringing over essential supplies such as pads, diapers, and ice packs so she doesn't have to navigate it alone." She additionally suggested, "Stock her refrigerator with nourishing broths, comforting casseroles, and beverage options, so she won't have to burden herself with mundane yet agonizing choices."
Credit: Broadimage/Shutterstock
February 2023
Without any regrets, the ex-ABC personality opened up about her IVF experience. In an emotional video, she transformed her syringes into a heart shape, enclosing an ultrasound image of Oliver.
"It took 240 days of undergoing IVF injections to establish our family. Almost 2 years and more than 300 needles," she stated in the post. "However, despite experiencing the loss of our cherished son at 24 weeks... every injection was still immensely valuable."
Later on, she shared the captured photo and expressed appreciation for the treatment's role in her pregnancy experience. "They enabled me to have my long-awaited baby—a baby I had the privilege to truly know and cherish," she expressed. "And although Oliver's time was tragically cut short, those 24 weeks spent with him were not a random stroke of misfortune... they felt nothing less than extraordinary."
Credit: Courtesy of Sarah Herron/Instagram
February 2023
"It has been a month since Oliver entered this world. This adorable little boy, with his sweet face, is a sight to behold. His perfect complexion is adorned with soft, bright blonde peach fuzz. Weighing in at a mere 2lbs, he captivates our hearts," Herron shared on Instagram along with a heart-wrenching post. "What I find challenging is that with each passing day, I struggle to differentiate between the past month and the surreal memory of my pregnancy. It feels like a confusing blur, making me wonder if it was all just a dream."
She expressed her feelings, saying, "Each day brings a bit more space and healing, but it pains me to see that our lives are returning to how they were before Oliver. Although my body is recovering, I still find myself in maternity jeans—a conflicting combination of relief and sorrow."
Herron acknowledged that she wasn't prepared for what lay ahead. "The increasing minutes of daylight each night feel like a cruel reminder that life goes on, even though my grief from January still lingers," she wrote. "I don't want the snow to melt or the trees to bloom. I wish to remain in a perpetual winter with Oliver."
Credit: Courtesy of Sarah Herron/Instagram
March 2023
"It has been two months since Oliver was born, and up until now, my uterus has retained fragments of his placenta. This has led to nearly nine weeks of continuous bleeding, anemia, and uncertainty regarding my pregnancy status," Herron explained on Instagram. "Externally, the signs of my pregnancy have all but disappeared. However, internally, my body has struggled to let go. As long as this placenta remains inside me, it feels as though I am stuck in the trauma of my labor and postpartum period. There have been moments where I find comfort in the fact that a physical part of Oliver is still with me, but there have also been times where I feel guilty for desiring its removal and wanting to 'move on.'"
The reality TV contestant had recently undergone a procedure to eliminate a significant placenta fragment, and her recovery has been going smoothly.
"I will carry my sorrow with me forever; it acts as a critical support system. Oliver will also forever be a part of me," she stated. "His genetic material is now intertwined with mine. However, I am grateful to finally bring an end to this exceedingly painful chapter in my experience of loss."
Credit: Courtesy of Sarah Herron/Instagram
April 2023
In tribute to National Infertility Awareness Week, from April 23 to 29, Herron crafted an essay for Women's Health. Reflecting on her brief but cherished time with her late son Oliver, she expressed gratitude for the profound lessons he taught her about the value of life, love, and loss. Herron also emphasized that being a mother means honoring, celebrating, and supporting one's children, regardless of the length of their time on earth. The presence of Oliver in their home and hearts brought an abundance of love and optimism.
She proceeded to affectionately refer to the infant as "magic," emphasizing, "The divine forces aligned perfectly to bring forth our son with a profound, significant mission that surpasses our comprehension. Although he may have had a delicate physique, his impact and influence will forever exceed ordinary proportions in our hearts."
Credit: Noel Vasquez/Getty Images
October 2023
Herron took to Instagram to reveal the unfortunate news that their 4th attempt at embryo transfer had been unsuccessful.
Expressing her deep disappointment, she wrote, "The magnitude of loss we've experienced in such a brief period of time is beyond words. Approaching the one-year mark of losing Oliver, we find ourselves still without a baby and back to square one. Despite our best efforts and careful planning, we have come to realize that biology simply did not cooperate."
She expressed her frustration, stating that it was unjust to experience infertility, baby loss, and then face the additional hardship of not being able to conceive again. She admitted to feeling angry, envious, and thoroughly perplexed.
According to Herron, the couple intends to explore various possibilities. They are open to undergoing another egg retrieval, considering donor conception, adoption, or even embracing a lifestyle of traveling and raising pets.
In this article
Acknowledging that we cannot indefinitely pursue fertility treatments, it is important to recognize our limits and prioritize self-care. While I still possess the determination to continue fighting, the truth is that exhaustion is setting in.
