In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Ali sits down with Connie, a proud Single Mom by Choice whose path to motherhood was anything but traditional—and exactly right for her. Growing up with a Black military dad and a Taiwanese “Tiger Mom,” Connie always felt the weight of expectations about what family should look like. But as she approached her late 30s, knowing she always wanted to have kids, she decided to freeze her eggs. Later, her best friend gave her the clarity she needed: “Connie, if you want your baby, go get your baby. You don’t need to do it the traditional way.” Connie opens up about what it was like navigating the SMBC journey as a woman of mixed race, including the emotional complexity of donor selection and the lack of Black sperm donors in U.S. banks. She shares how she found an amazing doctor and clinic, Dr. Joshua Klein of Extend Fertility -- aka Ali's doctor! Connie also talks about navigating IVF, getting pregnant (with twins!), giving birth during Covid and what life is like today, as a single mom of two five-year-olds. EPISODE SPONSORS: BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science. Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today. When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn’t about how you start—it’s about how you grow. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books FERTILITY RALLY IG: @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership PHERDAL IG: pherdal_science PherDal is the world’s first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who’ve been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
