Cheri Bergeron shares her extraordinary 10-year journey through infertility, IVF, pregnancy loss, TFMR, infant loss, and the fierce resilience it took to finally become a mother at 44 and 47.

Her path to motherhood was anything but traditional—marked by donor conception, genetic defects, heartbreaking loss, and a precedent-setting legal battle that challenged outdated “presumed father” laws. Through every setback, Cheri found a way to keep moving forward, redefining what it means to build a family on your own terms.

Cheri opens up about what it felt like to not lose hope after learning at five months pregnant that her daughter had a severe case of spina bifida incompatible with life. She discusses the emotional complexity of TFMR, and later, the unimaginable grief of losing her newborn son, who lived for just 19 days due to an undiagnosed genetic condition. Her story honors both of her babies and sheds light on how inaccessible testing can cost families everything.

We explore life after loss, how Cheri coped with trauma that spanned nearly every corner of reproductive health, and the resilience required to keep going when motherhood seems out of reach. She offers wisdom on coping with loss, honoring your children, navigating single motherhood by choice, and rebuilding your identity after repeated heartbreak. Her perspective is raw, empowering, and deeply validating for anyone navigating infertility, IVF, or pregnancy loss.

Cheri also shares the inspiration behind her book Mission: Motherhood and her nonprofit, Cheri’s Choice, which supports women pursuing motherhood on their own terms. With honesty, humor, and incredible strength, she reminds us that finding hope after loss is possible, even when the fairy tale looks nothing like you imagined.

If you have experienced infant loss, pregnancy loss, TFMR, infertility, or feel alone on your journey to motherhood, this episode will help you feel seen, understood, and empowered to write your own story.